The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Forrest Goodluck, Jennifer Ehle, Steven Hauck, Quinn Shephard, Kerry Butler, Dalton Harrod, McCabe Slye, John Gallagher Jr., Sasha Lane, Emily Skeggs, Marin Ireland
Directed by: Desiree Akhavan
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama
2018

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) is sent to gay conversion therapy.

Review:

Tim: I'm glad that we got two films in 2018 that explored the abhorrent practice of gay conversion therapy. This is a disgusting act and more people need to know about it. Unfortunately for The Miseducation of Cameron Post, it was the second best of the two films. Boy Erased was definitely a more powerful film. However, that doesn't mean this wasn't a good movie. I appreciated how different these two films were and this is a solid movie in its own right.

Coincidentally, it worked well that while Boy Erased focused on a young man's perspective, this movie highlighted the experience of a young woman in the same situation. These movies are different enough that they both add to the narrative by highlighting different experiences. This isn't limited to the gender differences- this movie takes a slightly lighter approach and focuses on the friendships that can form in the face of that adversity. In some ways, this was probably the easier of the two movies to watch. On the downside, it does make this one feel a bit lighter.

I found it interesting how much this movie focused on the relationships formed in the gay conversion therapy camp. This movie was definitely character-driven. I appreciated how this movie weaved the friendship and human aspects into the expose of this practice. You get to know these characters, identify with them, and care about them. That's a big plus for this film.

I've been a huge proponent of Chloe Grace Moretz for many years. As she gets older, I hope she doesn't lose the promise she showed so early in her career (and in her life). I hope she does more movies like this- it might have been a "smaller" film, but it gave her a chance to hone her craft. She's a talented actress and is able to flex some of those muscles here. This performance didn't require a whole lot of extreme emotion- her performance is much more subtle. Still, she's able to convey a series of emotions properly throughout the course of the film. Moretz is good here this offers a reminder of how great she could one day be. She gets a lot of help from Forrest Goodluck. Goodluck's performance is incredible. He does some of his best work in quiet, subtle ways. I really loved his performance and how he made his character relatable. He was one of the highlights of the film. Sasha Lane was good. Emily Skeggs gave a strong supporting performance as well and has a few truly excellent scenes. Jennifer Ehle did a good job, although she can't quite match the performance of Joel Egerton in his Boy Erased. John Gallagher Jr. offered some great moments as well. As a whole, the cast might not have been outstanding, but director Desiree Akhavan got the most out of them. As I watched the film, I felt a stronger and stronger emotional attachment to these characters. That was even stronger here than in Boy Erased. I give Akhavan and the cast credit for bringing these characters to life.

As a whole, The Miseducation of Cameron Post works as a movie. It might not quite ratchet up the emotional side of this story (one event towards the end of the film that should have been unforgettable falls a little flat), it still makes an impact on the audience. It highlights a disturbing practice that does unconscionable damage to impressionable young people. This is a movie that doesn't quite punch you in the face with its message, but it asks you to consider it. I enjoyed watching this movie and I appreciate what it highlighted. This is a good movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Boy Erased, If I Stay