Pariah

     This week's film Pariah was a very moving film. I was able to follow the story clearly the whole way through and really felt for the main character Alike. I was intrigued by some of the cinematic decisions of the film. For example, the use of light or the lack thereof. I noticed that most of the film was very dark in color. In the beginning of the film, I believe it opened with Alike and Laura at a club. Even in Alike's home, it lighting was always dark. Only when Alike was performing her writing to the class or to her teacher was there light. Also, there was light in the last scene when Alike was on the bus leaving for her summer writing program.

    In class, my breakout room and I discussed Pariah in relation to an article by Caleb Luna. We focused on topic of being unlovable and how falling in love when queer is dangerous. These ideas were reaffirmed by the actions of the church girl who practically "used" Alike without expressing upfront that she was simply experimenting with her sexuality. This experience hurts Alike and reinenforces the idea that she incapable of being loved. This idea is also reinenforced when Alike is vulnerable in telling her mother she loves her and her mother refuses to say it back. This tells Alike to be cautious with her heart and that loving is dangerous because there is never a guarantee that you'll be loved back.

    Another aspect of the film that was very moving was the relationship of the mother and father. It is really interesting to me when people place blame on their daughter being gay due to the lack of involvement of a father figure. I don't know how much truth/stats there are on this but I hated the mother's behavior. She was placing so much blame on the father and on Alike without reflecting on her own actions. Not to say that Alike being gay was a result of anyone's actions. The mother was simply so blinded by religion that she ignored everything that was right in front of her. 

    I loved the quote "I am not leaving, I am choosing". To some, it may seem like Alike is running away from her problems but she is actually choosing to be in a healthier environment. She is choosing what is best for her. Although the ending was heart-breaking, I also found myself rooting for Alike, her future, and her freedom.