73
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 85Film ThreatAlan NgFilm ThreatAlan NgThe Lavender Scare is essential to watch and an excellently produced documentary about a time the communist threat overshadowed the so-called “gay threat” from our history books.
- 80Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinLos Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinA vivid, disturbing and rousing picture of specious government intrusion at its worst.
- 80VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanEssential and absorbing documentary.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreStraight America can finally get to know the name of Dr. Frank Kameny, a very smart man with a very big grievance against the government, one he was willing to endure mockery and the loss of his original career to settle.
- 75IndieWireHanh NguyenIndieWireHanh NguyenThis is yet another instance where the film’s short runtime seems to have shortchanged the depth of reporting.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckRunning a brisk 75 minutes, this is one of those rare documentaries that feels too short. Some of its stories could have been more fleshed out, greater historical context could have been provided, and its use of such musical selections as Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" are beyond cliche. But these are small quibbles about a film that should be essential viewing in these times when intolerance is on the rise.
- 50TheWrapDan CallahanTheWrapDan CallahanA compact and fairly well-made documentary.