Pariah贱民

Synopsis

Alike, a 17-year-old African American girl in Brooklyn, quietly embraces her lesbian identity while navigating the delicate balance between revealing her true self and maintaining family harmony. As friendships shift, romantic opportunities arise, and parental tensions peak, she must choose between living authentically or conforming to expectations.

Highlights

• Adepero Oduye’s heartfelt and layered portrayal of adolescence and self-discovery

• Sensitive, nuanced direction by Dee Rees based on her own short film

• Kim Wayans delivers a standout dramatic performance beyond her comedic roots

• Rich depiction of Brooklyn’s cultural landscape and urban youth experience

• LGBTQ+ representation with honesty and emotional resonance

• Cinematic realism through natural lighting and intimate camera work

• Acclaimed by critics for balancing personal narrative with universal themes of identity and acceptance