Desiree Akhavan’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post, based on Emily M. Danforth’s book of the same name, is an excellent film which demonstrates the emotional abuse and hardships faced by the LGBTQ community.
The film takes place in the beginnings of the 90’s and follows the story of a lesbian teen, Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz), as she is coerced into staying at a religious camp called ‘God’s Promise’ in the hopes that she will be “cured” of her homosexuality. Cameron befriends two fellow camp-stayers (“disciples”) at the camp, Jane (Sasha Lane) and Adam (Forrest Goodluck).
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.
The performances by Chloë Grace Moretz and Jennifer Ehle (who plays the camp’s leader, Dr. Lydia Marsh) stood out to me throughout the film. The character Cameron realistically battles with the camp’s ideology and her own beliefs, and Dr. Marsh’s fierce beliefs make her a threatening force.
The extensive use of close-ups helps to build our connection to Cameron and her fellow “disciples” as we are able to see just how great an emotional impact God’s Promise has on them.
Overall this film is very well written, directed and acted, and will surely leave a lasting impact on all who view it.
Michael (17)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Sydney Film Festival