Now showing: Pariah.

Upon the recommendation of my friend, Matt, I requested Pariah on Netflix and when it came, decided last night was a perfect night to stay in and watch it. It had been a mess of a work week and after pulling several 12-hour days, the thought of going out last night and being social seemed too much to handle. So in I stayed, after making a trip to both Trader Joe's and Walmart to do some essential grocery shopping. My refrigerator and pantry were looking pretty pathetic. But I digress.

The movie's title is fitting, though there is no mention of the word in the film. It's not the name of the main character, or any character even, but aptly describes the main character's, Alike's, high school journey in Brooklyn as she discovers who she is through identity, expression, sexuality, and poetry. When my buddy told me to check it out, he simply said it was a good movie and I needed to see it. Fair enough. What he should have said is that the movie is also pretty dark, filled with sadness and struggle, and though there is a glimmer of hope, the movie leaves you wishing for something more, something better for Alike. Think Precious. Same same but different. Enough said.

Nonetheless, I found myself drawn to Alike's journey and rooting for her. Almost as if I were rooting for the DAWGS. I felt for her as she struggled to figure herself out and navigate two worlds (her family and her high school) where being different, being "other", were frowned upon. And I was reminded yet again how difficult life can be for those who are on the fringes who are searching for nothing more than love and acceptance. By far, I think the most difficult moment (for me) in the film came when Alike is trying to make amends with her mother and a relationship that never quite fit together well. She tells her mother she loves her and her mother responds with silence. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Alike responds, "Did you hear me? I said I love you." Her mother looks at her coldly, almost emotionally stunted, and responds, "I'll be praying for you." Sure, it's only a movie but it's also the lived experiences of thousands of young people today.

In the end, the only other title I think could have been fitting for this film is Resilience. Yet the actual title is more appropriate for when the film ends, Alike is embarking on a new chapter leaving us wondering, hoping more so, that she will be accepted, supported, and loved. Looking for a movie to ruffle your social justice feathers? This would be one to view. Looking for something that won't make you think, bring you down, or unsettle you? Pariah would be one to skip. My rating? B+

Cheers.