As of 2018, only 14 states in the US and the District of Columbia have an all out ban
on gay conversion therapy for minors, whilst the practice remains legal for adults in
all 50 states and in 2017 the USA elected a Vice President who not only believes in
but also actively encourages the practice of conversion therapy. Therefore, although
the setting of The Miseducation of Cameron Post may be 1993 Montana, its subject
matter is unfortunately as relevant as ever.
Desiree Akhavan steps out with her 2nd directorial feature, The Miseducation of
Cameron Post, a low budget movie shot in upstate New York. The film depicts the
very real nightmare of conversion therapy lived by thousands of LGBT+ youths
across America in a way that pays homage to classic teen films of the 80s. The subject
matter of this film could’ve so easily lent itself to tragedy and hopelessness, however
the writing of Desiree Akhavan and co-writer/producer Cecilia Frugiuele breathes an
air of wit, defiance and strength into the story.
Cameron Post (Chloe Grace-Moretz) is caught hooking up with her female friend in
the back of a car on prom night and is subsequently shipped off to ‘God’s Promise’, a
conversion camp for kids fighting the “sin” of SSA (same sex attraction) and/or
conflicting ideas of gender identity. ‘God’s Promise’ is run by Dr Lydia Marsh
(Jennifer Ehle) described as “the Mom from Carrie” along with her now ‘ex-gay’
brother Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr). Upon arrival at the camp, Cameron is
questioned about her sin and the need to uncover the deep-rooted cause that led her to
it, as Rick makes it clear her SSA is a “symptom of a larger problem”. Whilst initially
taken aback by her surroundings and the situation, Cameron shows a subtle yet
persistent hint of defiance, this leads her to befriending Jane (Sasha Lane) a lesbian
who grew up on a commune who was sent to the camp after her mother married an
evangelical man and Adam (Forrest Goodluck), a native American boy who identifies
as “Winkte” or “two spirit”. The trio then go on to find moments of light and laughter
in their ultimately dark reality throughout the progression of the movie. Although
Cameron shows defiance in her character perhaps one of the more subtly heartwrenching
themes of the movie are moments when she begins to doubt herself. “I’m
tired of feeling disgusted with myself,” Cameron announces “maybe this is our only
chance and we’re blowing it”. She begins to believe that maybe there is something
inherently wrong with herself and that she could possibly change her nature. These
subtle moments drive home the horrifying practice of conversion therapy and the
psycho-manipulation it often includes. Moretz portrays the isolation and heartbreak of
this beautifully in a stand out, brilliant performance.
Desiree’s hands off approach to directing, along with the often naturalistic
cinematography of Ashley Connor, gives the actors the freedom to play with their
characters in the way they choose. It allows the sex scenes to be sweet, realistic and
free from the pornographic tendencies that are commonplace in lesbian sex scenes
filmed by men (see Blue is the Warmest Colour, Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013).
Conversely, it leads to natural, believable performances across the board. Chloe
Moretz, Sasha Lane and Forrest Goodluck stand out as the stars of the show however
each actor brings their own authenticity to the role they play. John Gallagher Jr
portrays Reverend Rick in a way that subtly alludes to his own struggles regarding his
sexuality leading to empathy from the viewer, as he never becomes the butt of the
joke or a classic bad guy. Jennifer Ehle’s characterisation of Dr Lydia, could so easily
fall into the role of cliché villain, yet the viewer is lead to believe that however
warped her practices may be she truly believes in what she is doing. Another stand
out performance comes from Owen Campbell’s interpretation of Mark, a boy sent to
the camp by his father due to his effeminate nature and homosexual identity. Mark’s
request to return home is rejected by his father, which leads to one of the more
powerful scenes of the movie, which is sure to pull at the heartstrings of anyone
watching.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post does what many films fail to accomplish, it holds
up a mirror to teenage life; the angst and the drama - yet it does this in a setting where
emotions are exemplified and it does it very well. It is laugh out loud funny yet heart
breaking. It exhibits the power and joy of a good sing along and perhaps for the first
time this is a movie that manages to perfectly encapsulate what it feels like for a queer
teenager to meet other queer people for the first time. The joy and sense of belonging
that rings true even in the harrowing surroundings of a conversion therapy camp. This
may be down to the director, writer, producers and editor all identifying as queer. The
authenticity that comes from queer people telling queer stories shines through in this
film.
Paying homage to the classic John Hughes films of the 80s such as The Breakfast
Club (1985) and Sixteen Candles (1984) The Miseducation of Cameron Post is
ultimately a beautifully told story about a group of misfit kids who find a chosen
family in their oppressive surroundings. It leaves the viewer with a sense of defiance
and hope in the face of our currently bleak political climate.
- Sara Crompton.