Latter Days

Latter Days is an American romantic drama film that debuted in 2003, directed by the talented C. Jay Cox. It features a vibrant cast, including Wes Ramsey, Steve Sandvoss, and Mary Kay Place, which brings to life a remarkable story of self-discovery, love, bonding, and how life’s unexpected events can often serve as a route to finding oneself.

The film establishes its narrative around two main characters - Christian Markelli, played by Wes Ramsey, a flamboyantly promiscuous gay man known for his carefree lifestyle and partying antics, and Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss), a young and naïve Mormon missionary who is committed to his faith, yet wrestling with his inner self.

The film takes off as Christian lays a bet with his co-workers that he can seduce one of the four Mormon boys, who have recently moved into his Los Angeles neighborhood. As fate would have it, he crosses paths with Aaron, the Mormon missionary, and sparks an unlikely friendship. Despite the stark contrast in their lives and characters - Christian being a party-going waiter in West Hollywood and Aaron being a devout young man from Pocatello, Idaho - the two young men form an intricate bond.

The beautifully written screenplay of Latter Days delves deep into the lives of Christian and Aaron, subtly leading us through a captivating narrative that unravels the complexities of identity, religion, and sexual orientation. The film handles these sensitive topics with grace, never shying away from exploring these themes authentically, while always maintaining a level of respect and understanding to every side of the story.

Furthermore, Latter Days explores a myriad of relationships and the complexities of human emotions, including Christian’s relationship with his landlord (played by Jacqueline Bisset) who's coping with her fear of aging and loneliness, and Aaron’s relationship with his parents, who are staunchly religious but caught off guard with Aaron’s journey of self-discovery. The characters are multi-layered, effectively depicting the stresses and joys of these bonds.

The film also introduces an assortment of colorful characters from Los Angeles' vibrant gay scene, adding to the appeal of the narrative. The music of the film is one of its strongest aspects, with a soundtrack that blends pop, operatic arias, and heart-tugging scores, becoming a character in its own right, setting up the mood throughout different phases of the movie.

The director, C. Jay Cox, uses his unique lens to portray contrasting lifestyles that effortlessly mirrors real-life conflicts and dilemmas, allowing wide audiences to connect with the story. His take on religion and faith, on accepting oneself, on human connections beyond societal norms, brings forth a richness of emotions, making Latter Days more than just a film about gay romance.

The powerful performances by Wes Ramsey and Steve Sandvoss are integral to the film’s success. Ramsey’s portrayal of Christian’s flashy and confident, yet fragile persona is impressive and layered. On the other hand, Sandvoss brings an innocence to the character of Aaron and the quiet, internal struggle he goes through is sensitively portrayed. The supporting cast also makes substantial contributions, specifically Mary Kay Place, who gives an emotionally raw and compelling performance as Aaron's mother.

In conclusion, Latter Days is not just a gay romance or a coming-of-age drama. It's a human story that transcends the norms of society, religion, and tradition. It’s a combination of strong storytelling, stellar performances, and a well-composed musical score which work together to create a captivating cinematic experience. Whether you're drawn to love stories, enjoy narratives about self-discovery, or are fascinated by the intersection of faith and sexuality, Latter Days is a film that's well worth watching.