Latter Days (2004)

Latter Days Poster

Christian, a hunky, 20-something, West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains for when he tries to seduce 19-year-old Elder Aaron Davis, a sexually confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex.

Film Overview
"Latter Days" is a function film that was released in 2004. The story is a romantic drama that explores styles of self-identity, love, religion, and approval. Composed and directed by C. Jay Cox, the film follows the transformative journey of 2 boys who hail from significantly different backgrounds yet discover themselves drawn together by a typical however unanticipated bond.

Plot Summary
The primary characters in "Latter Days" are Christian, a fun-loving, freely gay male living in Los Angeles whose lifestyle focuses on casual flings, and Aaron, a serious, shy boy from Idaho who is acting as a Mormon missionary. As they become next-door neighbors, subsequent conferences kindle an unlikely however irresistible tourist attraction between them, triggering both to question their beliefs and the essence of their identities.

Christian, who bets with his friends that he can seduce one of the "God team" guys, begins courting Aaron. However, what begins as a lively fling for Christian evolves into a profound emotional attachment. As this relationship establishes, Aaron, whose spiritual doctrine condemns homosexuality, fights with the dispute in between his faith and his sensations for Christian.

Unfolding Drama and Resolution
When their budding love affair sees the light of day, they face the extreme effects of their community's intolerance. Aaron is returned to his small, conservative home town in disgrace, while Christian sinks into despair in his lack.

Nevertheless, it's the trials they go through individually that eventually draw them back together. Aaron is forced to confront his spiritual orientation after being excommunicated from his church, while Christian finds a depth in his sensations for Aaron that he didn't think himself efficient in.

Christian, encouraged by his newly found love, seeks to reunite with Aaron. He takes a trip to Aaron's hometown and, after a few incidents, they discover each other. Their reunion causes the heartfelt awareness that they can develop their own definition of love, uniqueness, and faith-- outside societal and spiritual standards.

Main Characters and Cast
Steve Sandvoss represents the role of Aaron Davis, recording the character's innocence, chaos, and transformation convincingly. Wes Ramsey plays Christian Markelli, Aaron's polar opposite - selfish and egotistical, yet experiencing a considerable development within himself as he falls in love with Aaron. Jacqueline Bisset shines as Lila Montagne, Christian's company who also functions as a mom figure and plays a vital role in Christian's maturation.

Themes
"Latter Days" is a powerful exploration of love, religion, and the journey to self-discovery. It provides a poignant dichotomy in between religious conservatism and liberal individualism, raising essential concerns about identity, approval, and faith.

Overall, the film depicts a strong message of hope and love's transformative power, going beyond social judgement, and rigid faiths. In spite of the many hurdles they face, Aaron and Christian find their method back to each other, showing that love, in its purest form, is resistant, liberating, and self-defining.

Top Cast

  • Steve Sandvoss (small)
    Steve Sandvoss
    Elder Aaron Davis
  • Wes Ramsey (small)
    Wes Ramsey
    Christian Markelli
  • Jacqueline Bisset (small)
    Jacqueline Bisset
    Lila Montagne
  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt (small)
    Joseph Gordon-Levitt
    Elder Paul Ryder
  • Rebekah Johnson (small)
    Rebekah Johnson
    Julie Taylor
  • Mary Kay Place (small)
    Mary Kay Place
    Sister Gladys Davis
  • Erik Palladino (small)
    Erik Palladino
    Keith Griffin
  • Amber Benson (small)
    Amber Benson
    Traci Levine
  • Khary Payton (small)
    Khary Payton
    Andrew
  • Rob McElhenney (small)
    Rob McElhenney
    Elder Harmon
  • Dave Power (small)
    Dave Power
    Elder Gilford