Latter Days
Latter Days is a 2003 American independent romantic drama film written and directed by C. Jay Cox.[1] The story centers on the developing relationship between Elder Aaron Davis, a closeted gay Mormon missionary from Idaho serving in Los Angeles, and his neighbor Christian Markelli, an openly homosexual waiter and aspiring actor known for his promiscuous lifestyle in West Hollywood.[2] Their romance begins with Christian's wager to seduce Aaron but evolves into a deeper emotional bond that challenges Aaron's religious convictions and leads to his excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[3] The film features Steve Sandvoss in the lead role of Aaron Davis and Wes Ramsey as Christian Markelli, supported by actors including Jacqueline Bisset as Christian's grandmother Lila, Mary Kay Place as Aaron's mother, and Amber Benson as Julie.[4] Produced on a modest budget, it premiered at film festivals in 2003 before a limited theatrical release in 2004, ultimately grossing approximately $820,000 at the domestic box office.[5][6] Critically, Latter Days received mixed reviews, with a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on contemporary assessments praising the lead performances and emotional sincerity but critiquing its melodramatic plotting and reliance on clichés.[5] Roger Ebert awarded it 2.5 out of 4 stars, noting its exploration of sexual awakening within a religious framework while faulting certain narrative contrivances.[3] The film garnered several awards at LGBTQ-oriented film festivals, including audience prizes, reflecting its appeal within queer cinema circles.[7] Notable controversies arose from its depiction of Mormon missionary life and sexuality, prompting backlash from religious organizations, including calls for boycotts and theater withdrawals in conservative U.S. regions; the Deseret News, affiliated with the LDS Church, described it as offensive to both religious and general audiences due to simulated sexual content and profane language.[8] Despite such opposition, the film has maintained a cult following for addressing tensions between faith and homosexuality through personal transformation narratives.[9]Synopsis
Plot Summary
Christian Markelli, a gay waiter living in a West Hollywood apartment complex, places a bet with his friends to seduce one of the Mormon missionaries who have recently moved into the neighboring cottage.[10][3] He targets Aaron Davis, a young missionary from Idaho serving with companions Elder Dixon and Elder Polk.[10][9] Christian invites Aaron to a party at his apartment, where they begin to bond over shared interests such as films.[9] Their interactions escalate into a kiss and eventually sexual relations, despite Aaron's internal conflict stemming from his religious commitments.[10][3] Aaron's companions discover evidence of the encounter, leading to Aaron's confession to his mission president and the threat of excommunication from the Mormon Church.[10] Upon learning of the initial bet, Aaron feels betrayed and returns to his family home in Pocatello, Idaho, where his devout Mormon parents, Gladys and Farron Davis, react with rejection.[10][3] Following a heated argument with his mother, Aaron attempts suicide by cutting his wrists with a straight razor but survives.[10] His parents then send him to a conversion therapy facility, where he undergoes treatments including ice baths and menial labor.[10] Aaron eventually escapes the facility and reunites with Christian, who has begun volunteering for an AIDS charity amid personal growth.[10][3] Aaron chooses to pursue the relationship, rejecting his prior faith obligations.[10]