The Falls

A sensitive portrait of gay men falling out of favor with the Mormon church, even as they fall in love with each other, The Falls is an earnest, well-acted drama, directed with an understated hand by Jon Garcia. Nick Ferruci stars as RJ, a 20-year-old “elder” who dutifully if reluctantly enters upon his obligatory two-year missionary work, joining Chris (Ben Farmer) in the daily grind of trying to convert people to the Mormon faith by talking to strangers on the street and going door-to-door. Missionary work brings constant challenges to the pair's personal egos and sense of purpose as they are ignored, treated with hostility, ambushed by those looking for an argument, and even physically assaulted. In time, RJ and Chris begin blowing off their daily tasks and finding comfort in one another's company, eventually having to face church authorities as well as their families. The message that the church should be more inclusive comes across loud and clear here, but what makes The Falls increasingly enjoyable is the way that RJ and Chris begin allowing more of the big world into their narrow sphere, from trying marijuana to watching a movie that hasn't been pre-censored. Recommended. (T. Keogh)