While there were a number of films at this year's Sundance that ultimately disappointed this writer (cough HOMEWORK a.k.a. THE ART OF GETTING BY cough), there were also plenty that lived beyond their expectations. Director Dee Rees' PARIAH, stars impressive rising star Adepero Oduye as Alike, a Brooklyn teenage girl who is all but living a double life - as an obedient daughter and as a socially engaged lesbian. Adding to her trouble is a vicious mother (played by Kim Wayans) and endless romantic strife. It's a tough film, but incredibly rewarding and ruthlessly authentic, with a lot to say about nature of identity.

As our pals over at Gawker note, the PRECIOUS comparisons may fly fast and furious, but despite some surface similarities, PARIAH is a very different film. It is, in short, a much better film. Our own Allison Loring described the film back in January as "meticulously painted by director Dee Rees, from the standout music selections to the infuriating control Audrey insists on lording over her daughter, we discover nuanced performances from each member of the talented cast. Nothing in Alike’s life is black or white and it is those precarious gray areas that Rees navigates so beautifully as we go on this journey."

Check out the first trailer for the film after the break.

Focus Features acquired the film back during Sundance, but there is no word on a release date as of yet, but this trailer is certainly encouraging that we will see it sooner, rather than later.