Acampamento do Pecado

The writer/director Karen Maine went to a Catholic school in Iowa and made this movie based on her own experiences there in the 11th grade. I didn't attend a Catholic school but grew up being taught Catechism by Priests and Nuns so I can identify with a lot of it.

The movie points out a truth about religious education in general, the use of fear to try to motivate teenagers to stay on the straight and narrow. Watch porn and you'll go to hell. Masturbate and you'll go to hell. Lose your virginity and you'll go to hell. The problem with that approach is eventually kids get to a point where they realize what is going on and all that goes for naught.

Yet somehow most of us grow up to be good, moral people. And that is sort of the punchline of this story.

I watched it at home on DVD from my public library, my wife skipped.

Being homeschooled and a christian growing up in a very humble lifestyle and household, I appreciate the message they were trying to get across in this movie. You grow up with so many restrictions and when you're out of that fearful environment it truly is a wake up call. Knowing that people have been doing what you have been forbidden to do for years and they are alright. I like seeing movies like this where I can relate somewhat to the plot. It wasn't really amazing or the best movie I've seen but it was a good message I think. I have absolutely no idea why it was rated R since it was pretty tame for what else comes out these days but maybe I'm wrong? Anyway I loved Natalia Dryer, even though she's well in her twenties, she can still pull off a teenager pretty well.

This film really feels like one of those festival hits that plays best in the festival setting. It addresses some interesting things around religion and sex, and the main character is likeable. It's a bit slow at times though. Worth a watch, but it's going to appeal most to fans of indie and arthouse films or perhaps someone who has left the Catholic faith and deeply relates to the topic.

An honest, funny & thoroughly relatable account of a young girl's sexual awakening, Yes, God, Yes is short, simple & straightforward in its approach, and is brilliantly led by Natalia Dyer's sweet & amusing performance. There is a sincerity in this coming-of-age portrayal and a proper understanding of that awkward teenage phase which makes this film both fun & evocative.

Written & directed by Karen Maine in her directorial debut, the story is adapted from her short film of the same name but the larger canvas & longer runtime offer her an incentive to spread out the plot, create new situations & explore some more themes. However, Maine decides to not venture out further which in turn makes this film look like an overly long version of the more compact & effective short.

Much of the hilarity comes from our very own relatability to the protagonist's journey after she discovers masturbation, experiences sexual urges & lustful desires for the first time and the feeling of guilt, confusion & awkwardness that comes with it and is further exacerbated by her Catholic teachings. And the authenticity with which Dyer articulates her character's temptations & inner turmoil is by all means praiseworthy.

Overall, Yes, God, Yes commences Karen Maine's directorial career on a promising note and is a fascinating depiction of a young girl trying to figure herself out through her curiosities & observations while also serving as a delightfully nostalgic trip down memory lane. Those who have already seen the short may not find anything new or refreshing about it but for the rest, this brief, breezy & brill piece of work is definitely worth a shot.

Everyone is hiding something. No matter what it is, is that a good or bad thing to hide. Its just between you and God. Mind your own business. But as a humanity, we should share, engage with people. It's okay to hide it, but trying to be honest is better. Alice's speech at the camp was representing this movie in short. Loved the message! Such a simple and beautiful coming-of-age story.

Unfortunately, I didn't quite catch with the plot. I just feel like there is a lot of unnecessary scene here. Some of the scene make me wonder, what's the purpose of that thing. And there's no further explanation after some event. Why everyone did not asking her where did she go after she came back from the bar, how can she easily escape from the father's office without getting caught after she put Wade's waistband and caught father watching some sex scene. Sometimes it's fine to haven't to be full explained. But it's really bother me. This movie trying to be realistic and natural but for me its doesn't executed quite well.

The performance was decent, Natalia Dyer did a good job as an innocent girl. I am a fan of her btw haha (main reason why I watched this, lol). Also, no complaints about visual and sound design. Everything was good.