Latter Days Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Mormon missionary and a West Hollywood party boy accidentally fall in love while trying to win a bet, then have to deal with religious guilt, questionable 2000s fashion, and the emotional baggage of everyone involved.

🍿 Latter Days: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mormon Missionary Meets West Hollywood

Elder Aaron Davis, a young Mormon missionary, arrives in Los Angeles with his companions. They move into an apartment complex next to Christian Markelli, a promiscuous and openly gay waiter. Christian, initially intrigued by the contrast, makes a bet that he can seduce Aaron, setting in motion a series of events that will challenge both of their beliefs and lifestyles. Their initial interactions are marked by curiosity and a clear cultural clash.

A Bet Turns Into Something Real

As Aaron and Christian spend more time together, Christian begins to question his shallow lifestyle. He starts to see Aaron as more than just a conquest, admiring his genuine kindness and strong faith. Meanwhile, Aaron, initially resistant, finds himself increasingly drawn to Christian’s charm and the freedom he represents. Their connection deepens, leading to a shared kiss and the revelation of their feelings.

Consequences and Rejection

Their relationship is quickly discovered, and Aaron is sent back home to Idaho in disgrace. He faces excommunication from the Mormon Church and rejection from his family, particularly his mother. Overwhelmed by despair, Aaron attempts suicide. Back in Los Angeles, Christian is heartbroken and believes he has lost Aaron forever, prompting him to reevaluate his life and take responsibility for his actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Christian Markelli (Wes Ramsey): A promiscuous and shallow West Hollywood party boy who falls in love with a Mormon missionary and begins to question his lifestyle.
• Elder Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss): A passionate young Mormon missionary struggling with his burgeoning sexuality and the expectations of his family and church.
• Sister Gladys Davis (Mary Kay Place): Aaron’s intolerant and disapproving mother who struggles to accept her son’s homosexuality.
• Lila Montagne (Jacqueline Bisset): A worldly-wise and nurturing restaurant owner who offers guidance and support to Christian and Aaron.
• Elder Paul Ryder (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): Aaron’s fellow Mormon missionary who initially opposes Aaron’s relationship with Christian but later shows compassion.
• Julie Taylor (Rebekah Johnson): Christian’s best friend and roommate who supports him through his journey and helps reunite him with Aaron.
• Keith Griffin (Erik Palladino): An AIDS patient who befriends Christian and helps him realize the importance of compassion and meaningful connection.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elder Aaron Davis: “Do you ever read the Sunday comics? …I think life is like that sometimes. But I like to think that from God’s prospective, life, everything, even this, makes sense.” – Aaron shares his perspective on life’s complexities, comparing it to the seemingly random dots in a comic strip that form a meaningful picture from afar.
• Christian: “I can’t imagine heaven without alcohol or homosexuals, so I’m definitely not joining.” – Christian expresses his irreverent worldview when he learns about the Mormon church’s restrictions.
• Christian: “There’s nothing about you that isn’t skin deep.” – Christian delivers this harsh assessment to Aaron, prompting Aaron to question his own values and shallow lifestyle.
• Sister Gladys Davis: “Thanks to you, my son took a razor to his wrists; thanks to you I have lost my son.” – Aaron’s mother expresses her anger and blames Christian for Aaron’s suicide attempt.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $850,000
• Domestic Gross: $834,685
• Worldwide Gross: $865,028

💥 Latter Days Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Latter Days’ and being completely engrossed. It touched on some really sensitive topics – religion, identity, and love – in a way that felt surprisingly honest. I was especially moved by Aaron’s struggle to reconcile his feelings with his faith; the scene where he comes out to his mother was heartbreaking. And while some parts felt a bit cliché, I was still rooting for them in the end.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of LGBTQ+ themed movies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about faith and identity”
  • “Audiences who enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes related to religion and sexuality”
  • “Suicide attempt”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Latter Days tackles a challenging subject with a generally light touch, making it accessible to a wider audience. While some of the plot points feel contrived, the performances are earnest, and the film ultimately delivers a hopeful message.
• Variety: “C. Jay Cox’s ‘Latter Days’ is a well-intentioned but uneven drama. The film’s strength lies in its sensitive portrayal of Aaron’s internal conflict, but Christian’s transformation feels rushed. The film could have been more nuanced, yet it does provide valuable visibility for LGBTQ+ stories.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciate the film’s courage in addressing difficult themes.: Many viewers found the film relatable, especially those who have grappled with similar conflicts between faith and identity.

The performances, particularly Steve Sandvoss’ portrayal of Aaron, were widely praised.: The film’s heartwarming message of love and acceptance resonated strongly with viewers.

Overall Consensus: ‘Latter Days’ is a thought-provoking and often moving film that explores complex issues of religion, sexuality, and identity. While it has its flaws, it’s praised for its sincerity and emotional impact.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Writer/director C. Jay Cox is a former Mormon missionary himself, which heavily influenced the story.”
• “The film was initially rejected by the ‘Madstone’ theater in Salt Lake City due to its perceived lack of artistic merit, though some suggest it was due to pressure from the LDS community.”
• “Both lead actors, Wes Ramsey and Steve Sandvoss, are straight. Their commitment to the roles was praised despite the sensitive subject matter.”

🖥️ How to Watch Latter Days?

Latter Days is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these platforms for current availability in your region. Some local libraries may also offer the DVD for borrowing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Latter Days, you might like these similar films:

• Brokeback Mountain (2005): Both films explore the complexities of homosexual relationships against a backdrop of societal and cultural constraints, with a focus on repressed feelings and forbidden love.
• God’s Own Country (2017): Shares a similar theme of self-discovery and unexpected love in a rural, conservative setting, focusing on the emotional journey of the protagonists.
• Love, Simon (2018): A modern coming-of-age story about a gay teenager grappling with his identity and coming out, reflecting the challenges and emotional journey of self-acceptance.
• Maurice (1987): Deals with similar themes of repressed homosexuality and societal expectations in early 20th-century England, providing a historical perspective on the challenges faced by gay individuals.

🛒 Latter Days Related Products

• Latter Days [DVD]: Own the physical copy of Latter Days. Perfect for collectors who want a tangible piece of film history. Relive the story whenever you want with deleted scenes and commentary.
• Latter Days Movie Poster: Display your love for the film with a high-quality poster. This vibrant print captures the essence of the movie’s themes and is a great conversation starter.

🎧 Soundtrack

Latter Days features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Windmills” – performed by Toad the Wet Sprocket
• “More Than Wonderful” – performed by Rebekah Jordan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Aaron & Christian Find a Chance at Happiness | Gay Romance | Latter Days

Ever wonder how ‘Latter Days’ would look set to a Michael Learns To Rock song? This fan video captures the heart of Aaron and Christian’s romance so perfectly, you’ll be reaching for the tissues!

Latter Days (Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Parts) HD

Obsessed with Joseph Gordon-Levitt? Relive all his scenes from ‘Latter Days’ in this convenient compilation. You can really see how he brought his character to life!

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