The Falls: Testament of Love

Jon Garcia's sequel to his touching and entertaining 2012 drama The Falls revisits the two lead characters five years later. R.J. (Nick Ferrucci) and Chris (Ben Farmer)—who met as young Mormon missionaries, fell in love, and dealt with the wrath of their church and families—have now gone separate ways. R.J., an editor at a Seattle magazine, is in a longstanding relationship with another man, while Chris has not only renounced his gay identity and reconciled with his parents and Mormon elders, but also lives with a wife in Salt Lake City. When a funeral once again brings them face-to-face, sparks fly but Chris's denial and fear prove to be formidable obstacles. Things grow even more tense when R.J. later shows up at Chris's house, determined to help his ex-partner face the fact that he is gay. Over time, Chris's resistance cracks, bringing him back into R.J.'s arms and on a collision course with his spouse and community. Testament of Love is darker than the original film, although Garcia and his compelling lead actors have produced another powerful movie. Recommended. (T. Keogh)