As I watched it I thought this had to be written by someone who experienced growing up as a Jehovah Witness as the authenticity and the struggles were so accurately portrayed. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and felt the character development was tremendous - the main actor in particular was extraordinary.

I decided to check out this new movie because it sounded like the type of indie coming-of-age movie that I tend to like, well that and I was curious about Eric Stoltz's directorial debut, and Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk did not disappoint. The film is a really interesting story about a young man who is having to deal head on with sexuality as he is getting older, yet balance that with the fact that he is a Jehovah's Witness. Now I wasn't that familiar with what being a Jehovah's Witness entails, but it became clear that this created a unique yet still relatable situation for the lead character and many of us watching who have had to deal with perhaps different, but similarly conservative upbringings. One of the early scenes is an incredibly awkward encounter where the guy doesn't even know what to do with bare boobs in front of him. If you're interested in a well made indie coming-of-age film that deals with the complexities of maturing within a conservative religion, then definitely check out Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk! Highly recommend.

Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness myself, the film is very relatable, a good peek into what it's like as a teen in the religion. Very worth a watch even if you have never been involved with any JWs.