A few of the Film in Revolt team went along to screenings of The Miseducation of Cameron Post from director Desiree Akhavan at the Sydney Film Festival.
Desiree Akhavan (Appropriate Behavior, SFF 2014) won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for her latest film, a moving comedy-drama set in a ‘gay conversion’ camp.
Maddy (14)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post looks at the obstacles faced by 16-year-old Cameron (Chloe Grace Mortez) after she is caught making out with another girl and then sent by her Aunt to a gay conversion camp called “God’s Promise”. The film is set in 1993 and is based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth. It highlights many issues young teens faced in the past and in some cases, are still facing.
Read Maddy’s full review here.
Jacinthe (17)
Moretz captivates the audience with her wonderful portrayal of Cameron – her vulnerability and disconnect with the surrounding environment. Although Cameron is self-assured, she begins to question herself, tackling the growing feelings of self-disgust as she navigates her own sexuality in a place that aims to destroy it. Moretz expertly delivers a character that is complex and layered, something that I always find myself looking for within female protagonists.
Read Jacinthe’s full review here.
Michael (17)
The exchanges between the religious leaders of the camp and the “disciples” are both entertaining and saddening as they demonstrate the absurdity of the situation and the camp’s mission, whilst also reminding the audience that the oppression and abuse faced by the LGBTQ characters are all too real.
Read Michael’s full review here.
Madison (16)
The film, all in all, is a liberating narrative with an eloquent script and stellar performances. It is often overlooked how lucky teenagers are to be growing up in a time and place where same-sex teenage romances are increasingly commonplace. Love Simon, Call Me By Your Name, Alex Strangelove and The Miseducation of Cameron Post are just a handful of the wave of recent films which all tell a similar narrative through a different lens, and yet all are met with genuine and deserved praise from a vastly diverse audience.
Read Madison’s full review here.