Falls, The

By: Robert O'Neill
In-House Review - Oct 19 2012

In this must-see new romantic drama, two Mormon missionaries fall unexpectedly in love and risk their future in the Church to be together.

In the Mormon religion, all young men have a duty to serve God through two years of missionary service. They are taught that serving their mission faithfully will help them to become a stronger student, worker, husband and father in the future.

In the beginning of The Falls, Elder R.J. Smith (newcomer Nick Ferrucci) is genuinely excited about starting his missionary work. He will travel six hours away from his Idaho home to small-town Oregon where he will preach the Book of Mormon and the teachings of Joseph Smith to potential converts.

When R.J. gets to Oregon, he meets Elder Chris Merrill (Benjamin Farmer), a slightly more experienced missionary who acts as a mentor, partner and friend. The two of them hit it off almost immediately. They hit the streets with great optimism and preach to strangers during the day. At night, they spend their time studying scripture and getting to know each other better. Their positive attitude begins to change, however, after an encounter with a religious skeptic and a separate incident with a homophobic bully who accuses the boys of being "fags."

Elder Merrill starts to seem a bit conflicted. He enters a crisis of faith which soon rubs off on R.J. The two start shirking their duties ? spending time at the movies, going on long walks and experiencing life outside of their religion for the first time. During one particularly eventful walk, Elder Merrill works up the courage to confess that he has strong feelings for R.J. ? feelings that R.J. secretly shares in return.

The feeling of relief is palpable as the two embrace one another for the first time. They find great comfort in each other's arms, but have to be very careful not to let their superiors learn that they have become secret boyfriends. If their relationship were to be uncovered, they could be cast into "outer darkness" for all of eternity.

Writer/director Jon Garcia mixes heartwarming romance, high drama and unexpected moments of levity (the scene wherein the two boys smoke pot for the first time is truly hilarious) to deliver a powerful message film that is as titillating as it is inspiring. The performances are also top-notch. With the right mix of innocence, blind faith and hidden desire, Nick Ferrucci and Benjamin Farmer lend their roles a remarkably natural, memorable charisma. Ferrucci, in particular, hits powerhouse levels by the film's tear-jerking climax.

The Mormon religion is often used as an easy target for mockery, but Jon Garcia treats it ? and the kind-hearted, well-meaning folks who subscribe to it - with respect and dignity. Aside from their intolerance of homosexuality ? which, of course, is not limited to just one religion ? the film paints a pretty flattering portrait of Mormonism. It shows how, through their mission, young men are taught to venture out into the world and stand strong with their beliefs in the face of great adversity. The Falls draws interesting parallels between having pride in one's faith and in one's sexuality. Missionary work teaches R.J. to stand up for what he believes in, no matter what the consequences might be. It also teaches him that you don't have to be straight to be a good Christian.

By: Film watcher

A story of 2 religious boys who met on a mission. Their love is really convincing, though the ending left you wondered where love stands in this prejudice world. In summary, I would highly recommend this film to any gay, straight, and everyone. It's a beautiful romantic film which starts with 2 boys and ends with 2 men.

By: Michael X

Very good writing, the principal actors could not be more believable, no histrionics from the actors portraying the missionaries or actors representing the Church. Just a level-headed account of two cohabiting Mormon missionaries who fall in love shortly after beginning their assignments. Portland, Oregon stands in for 'Clackamas Falls', the fictitious setting. If you're looking simply for hot sex scenes, this film will not satisfy much for you, but there's no doubt that the two central characters are in love, and neither is willing to allow the Church to stop that from growing. For film makers with only a small crew and budget, this is a very talented effort. It's in my top 10 favorites.

By: rainbowguy

This is a cheap spin-off of "Latter Days," with too much Mormon holiness practice and unbelievably slow acting and a dragging plot. It's not as bad as some gay flicks TLA has released, but I think it will only appeal to gay Mormons who have been there and done that.

By: Anson

I try to support small, independent gay-themed films, but often the acting is so bad, its painful.

Not here. Every single actor - no matter how small their role - is convincing and compelling. Elders Smith and Merrill are affecting enough to make you want to become a Mormon.

The film has four great monologues -- each of the leads has one, a bigoted southerner named "Craig" delivers one while driving along in a truck, harassing the boys, and Rodney -- an Iraq vet suffering from PTS - will make you feel like you were there in the mine field with him.

The story line is also movingly affirming of gay identity while not crucifying Mormonism.

I dare you to find a better made $10,000 film out there; let alone one that affirms gay identity as strongly as this does The Falls.

4 Stars

By: wcoz

By: been there

I was so excited to see this subject, a frequent fantasy for gay Mormons, arrive in a full length movie. This is a touching film, tender and raw and sweet. There are some slow parts, some flaws, and the ending left me with the feeling that more was needed to feel completed. But, as a former Mormon, I know I will watch it again. Nick Ferruci is amazing to watch at times.

By: bigboynz

Maybe I am missing something here, but I found this offering predictable and tiresome.

Perhaps I was swallowed in by the little wreaths at the top of the casing showing it had been accepted for various film festivals,,,,,,,,or perhaps I expected more.....

Its a hackneyed storyline that's been done time and again - and even much better in some cases.

I guess if you want to kill some time thats fine - but don't expect anything riveting or groundbreaking.

Stars? a grudging 2 I suppose.

By: just a reviewer

.....young men and their love for Jesus Christ, family, church (and, sometimes, possibly each other) is near enthralling....and watchable again and again.

A "Realistic Primer" (in the film's beginning) of the daily lives of Young Couples (male, Mormon Companions) on a Mission. In this story, we're introduced to a dorm-like setting of a simple, unadorned double room, with basic kitchen. We watch as the Companions (always staying together, as a pair) are introduced to their new commitments and goals, their rules of conduct, and submission of required progress reports. Everything arranged for them....everything with a purpose.

(( NOTE: We learn, in the Special Features section of this DVD, that Writer/Director, Jon Garcia, was a neophyte (newbie) to things Mormon....and had to "study up" on his subject (unlike C. Jay Cox, the EX-Mormon Director of 2003's "Latter Days". ))

OUR CAST OF ACTORS (only our primaries):

- Actor Nick Ferrucci, as R. J. Smith. (I call him: "He Who Bringeth Out Joy"). Playing a young 20-year old Man on a Mission (2 years), we follow him from film beginning to end. And at the start he informs us: "Mormon Faith truly is a benefactor of wholesomeness." BUT...the question later becomes: can R. J. stick to that belief? At any rate, here is a good time to point out that he is our Hug-Guy--a Good Deed deserves one. And if there is any such thing as a "Happy-Go-Lucky" Mormon Missionary, R .J. comes close. You'll recognize this later on as he backtalks his Companion Chris, in an effort to get him to "lighten up" and into a better mood.

- Actor Benjamin Farmer, as Chris Merril. (I call him: "He Who Maketh the First Move"). As R. J.s Mormon Companion, and Senior Elder, Chris has been on other missions (there, perhaps, is the rub). Elder Chris is our Serious one. It won't take you long to realize that things have begun to rankle this young man. He's begun "to question".

- Actor Brian Allard, as Rodney . (I call him: "He Who Enlightenth Our Lives"). Plays a pot-smoking, ex-Iraqi war vet, with much of a PTSD personality (or maybe not....he could be our sanest character). Despite his truly horrible experience in that war zone, he will have you absolutely rolling off your seats laughing when he is at his best. He's lovable...he's understanding. And frankly, he could be the best thing which happens to our R. J. and Chris.

Despite all we learn about the Mormon Religion (and it's not always Christ-like), make no mistake about what I say next: THIS IS, AT ITS ROOT, A LOVE STORY BETWEEN TWO MEN. And so, as the story edges to its end, we find R. J. experiencing increasingly caring thoughts (and concerns) for his withdrawn Companion, Chris. This then leads to a series of notable events:

- A diner table discussion between our Companions of R. J.s concern over Chris slackening off (resulting in a surprise, Hand-Touching-Hand moment). Which leads to:

- An accusation of "Faggotry" against them....resulting in a fight by R. J. in protecting themselves. Which leads to:

- Bruised knuckles and Hand-Holding in the applying of an ice pack (a nice little moment). Which leads to:

- Exhaustion and early drop off into by Chris.....leaving R. J. to prepare for bed, say his prayers and, then, to watch a Chris. For me, this is THE point at which I knew Love existed between them. We can see it in R. J.s face....we can see it in his eyes. It is the "Defining Moment".

This film also contains an absolutely heart-rending denouement (outcome) scene between R. J. and his church Stake President. It is one of the strongest performances you will see by a young actor. While it will tear at your heart....it is NOT an apology scene and is extremely well written.....leaving us the possibility of hope for our two young men. Will the moments later Final Scene confirm that for us?

PS--Production values are quite high for this Indie Film. Particular mention is deserved for the wonderful film score, music and lyrics. Including very simple piano, guitar and vocal harmonics, this score will absolutely grab you. A musical standout for me was the near film end "Coda of Discovery" (they are found out).

(( 3.5 STARS AWARDED ))