Review of Pariah (2011) by Amilcar A — 08 Jan 2012

I can only imagine how hard it must be to be accepted by your own family when you become what they most fear or misunderstand. I feel so privileged that my parents had a remarkably open mind and would have loved me regardless of what I became.

Pariah deals with one of the most interesting topics today, homophobia in the African American communities. I would not expect this movie to be too different in almost any other setting. What is crazy about this movie is the rawness and extreme realism. It's not particularly violent but it's incredibly aggressive and piercing.

There is such a divide and marginalization between the protagonist and her surroundings one is amazed about her will to succeed. This lady is absolutely great. She's smart, creative and a very nice person. She's mature and loyal and any family should be thrilled to have her as a daughter.

It's really amazing that in 2012, with men having walked on the moon, the internet and genetic research, that some people are still in perpetual fright of gays. There is such acrimony and poor disposition towards people that are just like any of us. It's baffling someone would still care about whom they fuck.

Inevitably great and enlightening, Pariah is a must see film. Perhaps Rick Santorum should check it out.