Geography Club

Geography Club, a 2013 movie, is an enriching coming-of-age drama that resonates especially with teenagers, while evoking nostalgia in adults about their high school days. This engaging film, directed by Gary Entin, features an impressive ensemble cast comprising Cameron Deane Stewart, Justin Deeley, Meaghan Martin, amongst others.

The Geography Club revolves around its protagonist, Brent Van Camp, played by the talented Cameron Deane Stewart. Brent, a typical high-school student, desperately tries to keep his secret of being gay under wraps. Brent goes through the motions of maintaining a facade of 'normalcy' to evade any suspicion from his friends, while his inner self grapples with the fear of being judged and ostracized. Justin Deeley plays the role of a high school sports jock Kevin Land who, like Brent, is also hiding his true identity.

This film unravels the struggles, dilemmas, and triumphs of these hidden identities within the hypersensitive ecosystem of an American high school. They are drawn together by their shared secret, leading to the creation of an artifice of a club. Appropriately named the 'Geography Club,' on the surface, it seems to be the most innocuous and uninteresting club anyone could join, when, in reality, it serves as a safe haven for these students.

Notably, the chemistry and relationship between Brent and Kevin are naturally developed in the storyline. They find comfort, consolation, and camaraderie in each other as their relationship progresses. The distinction between their public and private personas is well-portrayed, highlighting the pressures and challenges faced due to their concealed sexuality.

Meaghan Martin plays Trish, a lesbian teenager who is also hiding her identity and navigating the complexities of high school life. She joins the Geography Club and plays a critical role in its establishment and activities. Offering sharp wit and intellect, Trish often acts as the voice of wisdom and reason within the group, strengthening her character.

Geography Club showcases the experiences of these teenagers who embark on their journeys of self-discovery and acceptance. They strive to find the courage to reveal their true identities in a world that may not be ready to accept them. The movie deals with prevalent societal issues, notably stereotyping, discrimination, rejection, and acceptance.

The humor, heartache, and confusion that characterize teenage life are wonderfully depicted in this film. It touches upon critical aspects of adolescence—first crushes, peer pressure, bullying, self-identity, and rumors. Importantly, it brings to the fore the loneliness and fear that can be associated with being different from one's peers, and the movie champions embracing these differences and celebrating individuality.

At its core, Geography Club is a story about acceptance—both others' acceptance of us and our acceptance of ourselves. Its narrative acknowledges the challenging, sometimes harsh realities facing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in a high school environment where homophobia can run rampant. The movie underlines the complexities associated with navigating adolescence, confronting one's identity, and finding the courage to be true to oneself.

The narrative is interspersed with light-hearted exchanges, a natural camaraderie between the characters, and moments of insightful wisdom. The script, penned by Edmund Entin based on Brent Hartinger's best-selling young adult novel, Sin City Psycho, is engaging and keeps the audience's interest intact. Moreover, the director, Gary Entin, has successfully captured the essence of Hartinger’s book, making the film relatable to all audiences, not just those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Cinematographically, the main characters' portrayal contributes to the vivid storytelling with subtle emotions and heartfelt honesty. They display talents far beyond their age, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout the film. The actors bring alive their characters and elevate the experience, making Geography Club an engaging watch, which strikes a chord in every viewer’s heart.

Geography Club is evocative yet light-hearted, serious yet relatable. A beautifully spun film that revolves around navigating the tumultuous period of adolescence while grappling with one's identity, it hits all the right notes. It is an inspiring watch, providing many takeaways, primarily that of acceptance, self-acknowledgement, and celebrating one's individuality. The Geography Club, quirky and heartening at once, is indeed a must-watch.