The Miseducation of Cameron Post

The Miseducation of Cameron Post movie poster

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.