Latter Days (2003)
September 12th 2010 10:02
Originally posted to my other review blog Film Mage and it was the reason that OutFlicks was born, so I thought I'd cross post it to OutFlicks.
Latter Days Promotional Poster - Image sourced from google.com
Latter Days is the directorial debut from C.Jay Cox, the writer of Sweet Home Alabama. Set in Los Angeles, Latter Days tells the story of perennial party boy Christian (Wes Ramsey) whose life is a series of meaningless sexual encounters, and his new neighbour, Elder Davis, a 20 year old on his first misson for the Church.
This film details the growing relationship and attraction between the devot Mormon missionary and his openly gay neighbour. After accepting a bet that he can seduce one of the missionaries, Christian set out to score a feather in his cap - and a pair of holy boxer shorts - and instead discovers there is more to life than youth, beauty and meaningless sex.
Aarons discovery and exile to Salt Lake City to face punishment for his sins, leads to a beautiful scene outside the airport in the snow, and the acceptance of both men that sometimes love is worth the risk.
I have to say when this film was recommended to me, I wasn't all that interested. A gay-themed romance with homophobia at its core was the last thing I wanted to invest my time in, but to be fair the film captured - and held - my attention from the beginning to the end. I can't remember the last time a film actually made me go looking for a tissue, but this one did.
The ending of the film is lovely, if a bit predictable. It was actually nice to see a happy ending, especially as it had looked like happiness was the last thing on the writers mind.
Screen legend Jacqueline Bissett is a scene stealer as Lila, the owner of the restaurant where Christian and his friends work, and lends such an air of class to her scenes. Mary Kay Place, as Aarons devote mother is fantastic, even if she did make me want to slap her.
If I had to pick fault with the film, I'd have to say that the film does tend to be a little heavy handed on the cliche front. As IMD says "A promiscuous gay party animal falls for a young Mormon missionary, leading to crisis, cliché, and catastrophe'. The acting can bit a scenery chewy as well, but the cast - both new and experienced - do well to inject the film with depth that takes it beyond the standard GLBT Themed film.
Latter Days is a great film and well worth the time it takes to watch.
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