The Revival

The Revival is an immersive walk through a provocative exploration of faith, sexual identity, and small-town politics. This 2017 drama film, directed by Jennifer Gerber, features a stellar cast, including David Rysdahl, Zachary Booth, and Raymond McAnally.

David Rysdahl plays the role of Eli, a young, widowed pastor, who returns to his hometown to take over his father's evangelical church. The small-town congregation in Arkansas was diminishing, and Eli was on a mission to secure its future.

Eli's life takes a drastic turn when he encounters a drifter named Daniel, vividly portrayed by Zachary Booth. Daniel is a confident gay man who appeared at first to be the polar opposite of Eli. However, an unlikely bond forms between the two, testing the boundaries of conventional faith and morality simultaneously.

The Revival cleverly explores the toxic masculinity embedded within some societal norms, as the men of the small-town are their own stumbling block, each struggling with acceptance in a society where the understanding of alternate expressions of gender and sexuality is minimal. Thus, the plot carries deep, probing questions about human conflict and consequential growth from different perspectives.

Representing one of the most critical elements of the plot, Raymond McAnally delivers a power-packed performance as June, a typically conservative, judgmental, and antiquated church member. June exemplifies the stark contrast within the unspoken narratives of various members of a small-town congregation.

David Rysdahl's portrayal of Eli is distinctly commendable. Eli is a multi-layered character who grapples with faith, love, and the fear of his truth reaching the judgemental community he belongs to. His internal conflict is as crucial to the movie as the external enigma, and Rysdahl does an incredible job making that evident on screen.

Zachary Booth as Daniel exemplifies the opposite end of the town's belief spectrum in contrast to Eli and June. Booth's embodiment of this character humanizes the outsider, not through sympathy but rather through understanding the conflicted nature of circumstances.

The film truly shines in its somber tone, a perfect backdrop for the mostly interior events that unfold. The cinematography is brilliantly handled, creating a striking canvas for a vibrant mix of strong performances from the ensemble cast.

The Revival doesn't shy away from asking tough questions about faith, love, acceptance and what it means to be truly free. Its subtle storytelling approach might not be in your face, but it will linger in your thoughts long after the end credits roll.

Jennifer Gerber's robust direction and Samuel Brett Williams's compelling script for The Revival present a deep-cut of introspection, providing a solid background for an intense narrative. Notably, the writing is crisp and doesn't shy away from highlighting the stark realities that often go unaddressed.

Accompanied by an apt soundtrack that accentuates the nuances of the plot, The Revival is an articulate exploration of unexplored territories, drawing a clear line among various differing perspectives.

Despite its heavy themes and serious tone, the movie is not devoid of moments of genuine connection and heart. While primarily a drama, it does pepper in moments of levity that add an extra layer to the complex characters and their dilemmas.

The Revival, ultimately, is about reconciliation—not only within individuals but between people and between people and their faith. It's a thought-provoking exploration into the struggles that come with living in a small, close-knit community, where secrecy and hypocrisy haunt the streets.

To conclude, The Revival is an artistically crafted film; its visual allure and strong performances elevate the exploration of a compellingly confrontational subject matter. It is a true testament to the power of independent films, where storytelling reigns supreme. With its intense narrative and thought-provoking approach, The Revival is indeed an experience that remains etched in one's memory for a long time.