Pariah Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Pariah Blu-ray Movie Review

An outstanding feature-film by writer-director Dee Rees (Mudbound).

Pariah is a critically acclaimed gem which toured the Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. The feature length production was adapted from the original 2007 short film. Written and directed by Dee Rees (Mudbound), Pariah explores a social outcast learning about her sexuality and her role in society.

Alike (Adepero Oduye) is a young black woman coming-of-age in Brooklyn while learning to accept her individual sexuality. A black lesbian seeking love and romance in the city, Alike navigates the world around her while juggling her family life. With disapproving family, Alike struggles with accepting her sexual identity but must learn to navigate her own path in life. An awakening and a journey of self-discovery, Pariah is an examination of sexual identity.

Adepero Oduye delivers a superb performance in the leading role. The performance demanded a great deal out of the actress. Exploring a young teenage girl struggling to accept her sexuality as a lesbian (amid disapproving family), the actress delves in to the part with a clear dedication to the role and everything the part required. Oduye creates a sympathetic and compelling character. Viewers will certainly appreciate the raw vitality to her performance and the honesty it provokes.

The production design by Inbal Weinberg (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Place Beyond the Pines) is a strength of Pariah. The artistic aesthetic is evocative and creative throughout the film. Alongside art direction by Sara K White (Tallulah, The Flight Attendant), Pariah is a beautiful, complex, and euphoric work of art.

A must-see coming-of-age story.

One of the most subtly effective elements of Pariah resides in the costumes by Eniola Dawodu (We Made This Movie, A Wife Alone). The costumes are a great fit for the characters throughout the film (and their respective backgrounds). The distinctive costumes for Alike showcase her femininity and spirited side. A wonderful effort.

The lush cinematography by Bradford Young (Arrival, Selma) is one of the best components of Pariah. The visuals are hypnotic and engaging throughout. The cinematography won the Excellence in Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The stirring photography helps to tell the story with a quiet radiance. A graceful and poetic effort by Young.

The filmmaking is well-paced throughout Pariah. The expert editing by Mako Kamitsuna (Blackhat, Mudbound) helps the story flow well: showcasing every single component of the filmmaking with a serene elegance. The edit is artistic and beautiful.

One of the things that sets Pariah apart is how singular a voice writer-director Dee Rees (Mudbound, Bessie) has as an artist. As a strong female director, Rees imbues Pariah with her intelligence and her complete knowledge of filmmaking. The production is authentic and honest about the roles of black lesbian women in society and the authenticity of the filmmaking is one of the things that makes Pariah a masterful film. Don't overlook this gem.

Pariah Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection, Pariah is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release features a wonderful encode that never struggles with preserving detail in the cinematography. The colorful cinematography of the film shines throughout and makes a strong impression. The crisp and well-defined picture-quality looks astonishing. As a modern production, there were no issues to report concerning print wear and the like. An exceptionally crisp presentation by the Criterion Collection.

Pariah Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The lossless audio track was top-notch throughout the presentation. Dialogue was clear and easy to understand. The surrounds were actively engaged during the presentation. The ambiance was greatly enhanced in subtle ways as well. A top-notch effort by Criterion.

Pariah Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a leaflet featuring an essay penned by Cassie Da Costa (entitled "Song of the Self.")

Dee Rees and Michelle Parkerson (HD, 35:04) discuss the production of Pariah and its cultural significance in this interview produced by the Criterion Collection in March 2021. Filmmaker Dee Rees and author Michelle Parkerson share in a lively and engaging conversation about the importance of the filmmaking and its exploration of the lives of black lesbian women. The piece is a must-see for any viewer with an appreciation for the film.

Cast Reunion (HD, 28:35) is a special conversation between the cast and production team behind Pariah. The discussion was held for the 10^th anniversary of the feature-film. Moderated by scholar Jacqueline Stewart, the reunion features filmmaker Dee Rees as well as actors Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker, Kim Wayans, Aasha Davis, and Charles Parnell.

Making of Pariah: Department Heads (HD, 39:09) is a discussion about the development of Pariah as a feature-film. The making-of documentary includes interviews with Director Dee Rees, producer Nekisa Cooper, editor Mako Kamitsuna, and production designer Inbal Weinberg. Moderated by scholar Jacqueline Stewart.

Kara Keeling (HD, 15:14) is interviewed by the Criterion Collection in this exclusive piece produced in March 2021 with the film scholar and author.

Pariah Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Pariah is a hypnotic film about a young black woman coming-of-age in Brooklyn. Writer-director Dee Rees (Mudbound) provides Pariah with a sense of authenticity that is felt throughout the entire film. Exploring female sexuality and the lives of black lesbian women, Pariah is an important film that audiences won't want to miss. The Blu-ray release from the Criterion Collection includes a nice assortments of extras (including a fantastic interview with Dee Rees) and has a nice presentation. Highly recommended.