The Miseducation of Cameron Post looks at the obstacles faced by 16-year-old Cameron (Chloe Grace Mortez) after she is caught making out with another girl and then sent by her Aunt to a gay conversion camp called “God’s Promise”. The film is set in 1993 and is based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth. It highlights many issues young teens faced in the past and in some cases, are still facing. Upon Cameron’s arrival at the camp, she is greeted by Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr), the camps triumph story and brother to the camp leader, Dr Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle). The camp focuses on the teens trying to identify what has caused them to commit their sinful acts and how they can overcome them.
Mortez’s character demonstrates a strength by overcoming adversity and staying true to herself regardless of the consequences and surviving the camp by telling the leaders what they want to hear so she can be released. Her character develops from having the security of her aunt and girlfriend to the realisation that she is alone and that her whole world has now changed. She finds companionship in Jane Fonda (Sasha Lane) and Adam Red Eagle (Forrest Goodluck), who also resist the camps conversion methods.
There are moments of irony throughout the film which provide some light-hearted relief from the dark undertone of the camp’s purpose. I feel some scenes were a little graphic and were more of a distraction from the storyline rather than providing further insight into the character and her story. The supporting roles were well cast, portraying interesting characters and also demonstrated a diverse group of teens with a common bond.
Overall the film demonstrates important points about acceptance, how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Sydney Film Festival