Pariah

A Nigerian-American teenager, Alike, grapples with her identity and sexuality while navigating the complexities of her family relationships and her own self-discovery. As she embraces her truth, she finds herself at odds with her conservative parents and the expectations placed upon her. The film follows her journey of self-acceptance and finding her voice within her community.

Pariah was widely acclaimed by critics for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of a young Black lesbian's coming-of-age. The film was praised for its nuanced performances, particularly from Adepero Oduye, and its poignant exploration of identity, family, and societal pressures. It is considered a landmark film in LGBTQ+ cinema and Black cinema.

• Praised for its deeply human and authentic portrayal of a young woman's journey of self-discovery.

• Lauded for its sensitive direction and powerful, nuanced performances from its lead cast.

• Celebrated as an important and resonant story about identity, family, and belonging.

Google audience: Google users largely praised "Pariah" for its powerful and moving story, highlighting the authentic portrayal of its characters and the emotional resonance of Alike's journey. Many appreciated the film's handling of complex themes like identity and family acceptance, finding it to be a significant and impactful viewing experience.

Won multiple awards including the Sundance Film Festival's Excellence in Cinematography Award (U.S. Dramatic) and the Gotham Independent Film Award for Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director for Dee Rees. It also received nominations for Independent Spirit Awards.

Director Dee Rees drew inspiration for the film from her own experiences and observations growing up in Brooklyn.