But I'm a Cheerleader

Seventeen-year-old Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is a cheerful high school senior, passionate about cheerleading and currently dating football player Jared (Brandt Wille). Although she enjoys many aspects of her life, kissing Jared isn’t one of them; in fact, she finds herself more intrigued by her fellow cheerleaders. This interest, alongside her vegetarian values and love for Melissa Etheridge, leads her family and friends to suspect that she might be a lesbian. In a misguided attempt to “help” her, they enlist the help of Mike ([RuPaul Charles]), who identifies as “ex-gay,” and stage an intervention that results in Megan being sent to True Directions—a reparative therapy camp designed to “convert” campers to heterosexuality through a rigorous five-step program reminiscent of Alcoholics Anonymous.

At True Directions, Megan encounters Mary Brown ([Cathy Moriarty]), the authoritative founder of the camp, as well as her son Rock (Eddie Cibrian) and a group of young adults who are struggling with their sexual orientation. Under the pressure of Mary and her peers, Megan reluctantly acknowledges her identity as a lesbian, which conflicts with her traditional and religious upbringing, leading to a period of turmoil as she strives to become straight. One of the camp’s early incidents involves a shocking discovery where Megan catches two boys, Dolph (Dante Basco) and Clayton (Kip Pardue), in a compromising situation, a moment that results in serious consequences for them.

The treatment program at True Directions involves a series of tasks aimed at forcing the campers to confront their sexuality, challenge their gender identities, and even simulate heterosexual behaviors. Throughout her journey, Megan forms a close friendship with Graham ([Clea DuVall]), a more self-accepting college student who is at the camp under threat of familial disownment. The group is subtly encouraged to rebel against Mary’s oppressive tactics by two so-called “failed graduates,” Larry and Lloyd (Richard Moll and Wesley Mann), leading to an adventure to a local gay bar where Megan and Graham’s relationship blossoms into romance.

Tension escalates when Mary discovers their escapades, prompting her to force the campers into a humiliating act of picketing. Megan’s love for Graham deepens, and after a night of intimacy, she becomes unapologetically herself. As the story unfolds, complications arise: Graham, weighed down by her family’s expectations, remains at the camp as Megan gets expelled and finds shelter with Larry and Lloyd. Determined to rescue both Graham and Clayton, Megan concocts a daring plan.

In an unexpected climax during the True Directions graduation ceremony, Megan, with Dolph’s assistance, attempts to liberate Graham. She passionately performs a cheer she created for Graham, declaring her love, which at last convinces Graham to join her. The film concludes with a powerful image of Megan’s parents (Mink Stole and Bud Cort) attending a PFLAG meeting as they begin to grapple with their daughter’s identity, signaling a new chapter in understanding and acceptance.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:48