Septien

By: Robert O'Neill
In-House Review - Sep 27 2011

Not an ordinary gay film, Septien, an odd, but original character study about a trio of brothers suffering through the long-term effects of childhood abuse, examines gender dysphoria and homosexual repression in unique and subtle ways.

Much to the surprise of his sheltered siblings, Cornelius (writer/director Michael Tully) returns home to his somewhat dilapidated, non-functioning family farm after having been missing for 18 years. His frilly apron-wearing brother Ezra (Robert Longstreet) ? who has happily become the family's maternal, feminine figure in the years since their mother's death ? is thrilled to have his prodigal "son" back at home. Amos, his other brother doesn't seem as enthused, but that is mostly due to the fact that Amos feels the need to repress his emotions (and gay desires) ? they surface, however, in his demented, homoerotic, "outsider art" paintings.

Despite inquiries from his brothers, Cornelius offers no explanation for his previous whereabouts. The film builds an ominous, foreboding atmosphere that clues the audience in to the idea that each of these men is affected by some mysterious, lingering trauma. In one memorably bittersweet scene, Amos expresses to Cornelius that he regrets never having come out of the closet ? having always been terrified of his abusive, homophobic father's reaction. Though they attempt to bury the past, it will soon catch up with them. Seeking retribution for crimes of the past, a mysterious, unexplained figure (possibly an angel, possibly a demon) arrives (seemingly out of nowhere) to assess the family dynamic, expose the brothers as victims and prove that two wrongs can sometimes make a right.

Not for all tastes, Septien will appeal mostly to independent film fans who like to analyze their cinema and don't mind a deliberately slow, contemplative pace ? taking note that, sometimes, what is not being said is just as important as what is being said. While all of the actors are stellar, Robert Longstreet is a particular stand-out. As Ezra, the most compassionate family member who wants nothing more than to be a mother to his two beloved siblings, his performance is truly heartbreaking and revelatory.

By: Amos Lassen

Cornelius Rawlings (Michael Tully who also directs), a reclusive sports hustler, has been absent from his family for quite a while. He decides to come home and reunite with his two odd and emotionally damaged brothers, Ezra and Amos (love that name). What is so interesting about "Septien" is that it brings together humor, darkness and beauty. Cornelius comes home to the family's Tennessee farm without explaining where he has been some eighteen years after he left. His parents are no longer alive but his brothers Ezra (Robert Longstreet) and Amos (Onur Tukel) have continued running the farm while they live almost in isolation from the rest of the world. When Cornelius appears, his brothers receive him with both joy and bewilderment. Now that he is home, he is still mysterious as he leaves every once in a while to hustle money by playing sports.
Other people begin to appear and we have quite a mix of unusual characters and as they do, secrets emerge. Cornelius was a jock in his younger years and now he is quite a remote character who chugs malt and spits into his beard. But he is the most restrained o the three brothers. Ezra is a neat freak, the family cook and maid and cross-dresser who considers himself the family matriarch and Amos is an artist who paints erections and scenes of the murders of football players (who usually have their sex organs exposed).
A preacher (John Maringouin) comes by to exorcise the farm because he says that the Lord wants them to discombobulate the enemies of the brothers.
Since the death of their parents, the men have remained isolated. Red "Rooster" Rippington, a former football coach but now a plumber, comes by to make some repairs; a strangely dressed preacher appears to help the brothers find some way to heal.
This is one of the strangest movies I have ever seen but that does not mean that it is not a good movie. I actually enjoyed it as I tried to figure out exactly what was going on. I am not sure why I liked it but there is something here. I felt pulled in especially because I wanted to know what the brothers were repressing.
When Amos asks his brother, "Would it be too much to ask where you have been for the last eighteen years"? Cornelius says "yes". With Cornelius now at home, life changes for everyone on the farm. Some of the themes looked at here include child abuse, gender confusion, religion and male private parts. Everything is offbeat.