Pariah tells a familiar story but with trappings that make it new and fresh. A Brooklyn teenager wants to explore her lesbian leanings despite opposition from her parents.

Director Dee Rees expanded Pariah from a 2024 short to feature length. For the most part Rees’ film avoids stereotyping her characters. In particular the journey of Alike (Adepero Oduye) seems to move forward when her conservative parents themselves have conflicting opinions on her lifestyle. Pariah doesn’t overstay its welcome. By the same token the film never pounces the audience, thus giving Alike’s self-awakening breathing room.

- Michael Bergeron