Latter Days

Director C. Jay Cox released this independent drama in early 2004 to explore the friction between religious dogma and personal identity. The story centers on Christian Markelli, a gay man living a hedonistic life in West Hollywood who finds his routine upended by a new neighbor. Aaron Davis is a Mormon missionary from Idaho who arrives in Los Angeles with a strict mission to proselytize while suppressing his own emerging sexuality. Their initial interaction begins as a game of seduction but quickly deepens into a genuine connection that challenges the boundaries of both their worlds.

The film operates on a modest budget of $850,000 yet manages to capture the distinct atmospheres of two opposing cultures. It avoids caricature by treating the characters' internal struggles with seriousness and nuance. Supporting roles like Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a fellow missionary and Jacqueline Bisset as a local confidante add layers to the narrative without overshadowing the central romance. Released on January 30, 2004, the movie stands out for its honest portrayal of the pain involved in choosing between faith and self-acceptance. [edit]

The story begins in the sun-drenched environment of West Hollywood where Christian Markelli thrives in a world of casual encounters and endless parties. He is unapologetically open about his sexuality and moves through social circles with an ease that masks a deeper loneliness. His life changes when he rents a room in an apartment complex shared by a group of young Mormon missionaries. Among them is Elder Aaron Davis, a handsome and earnest man from Idaho who adheres strictly to the codes of his church. Aaron presents a facade of unwavering faith and heteronormative behavior while battling profound doubts about his own desires.

Christian notices Aaron immediately and decides to pursue him. What starts as a flirtatious challenge for Christian evolves into something more complicated as the two men spend time together. They share late-night conversations on balconies and find common ground despite their vastly different backgrounds. Christian becomes fascinated by Aaron's innocence and vulnerability, while Aaron finds himself drawn to the authenticity and freedom Christian represents. Their relationship develops in secret, fueled by stolen glances and the tension of hiding their feelings from the mission president and the wider community.

Aaron’s internal conflict intensifies as he falls in love with Christian. He faces pressure from his family back home, particularly his father Elder Farron Davis, who represents the rigid expectations of the church hierarchy. Meanwhile, Christian grapples with his own history of promiscuity and the fear that it is a defense mechanism against intimacy. The film highlights the stark contrast between the liberated culture of Los Angeles and the conservative environment of the LDS Church. Supporting characters like Elder Paul Ryder offer different perspectives on the missionary experience, while Lila Montagne provides a mentor figure who hints at the broader history of queer individuals within religious communities.

As the bond between Christian and Aaron strengthens, the stakes rise significantly. Aaron begins to question the foundations of his faith, realizing that the doctrines he has followed may be incompatible with his true nature. Christian realizes he wants more than a fleeting fling and seeks a future with the man he loves. The narrative builds toward a breaking point where the pressures of the church and the reality of their differences threaten to tear them apart. The film balances moments of humor with intense emotional drama, highlighting the universal desire for love and acceptance against the backdrop of institutional oppression. By the end of its journey, the audience anticipates how these two men will resolve the impossible choice between their faith and their hearts without revealing the ultimate resolution of their fate.[edit]