Latter Days

Latter Days is a 2003 romantic drama focusing on Aaron, a conservative Mormon missionary living in Los Angeles, who catches the eye of his openly gay, party-boy neighbor, Christian. The film explores their evolving connection and the profound clash between Aaron's strict religious upbringing and his sexuality. It is a poignant story about faith, acceptance, and love.

The film stars Steve Sandvoss as the conflicted missionary Aaron Davis and Wes Ramsey as his neighbor Christian Markelli. The supporting cast also includes Jacqueline Bisset as Christian's boss and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an early role as a fellow Mormon missionary. The chemistry between the two leads carries the emotional weight of the film.

After his relationship with Christian is discovered, Aaron is sent home to Idaho in disgrace and is subjected to excommunication and attempts by his family to "cure" his homosexuality. The trauma of this conversion therapy leads him to attempt suicide. He eventually recovers and must choose between his family's expectations and his love for Christian.

No, the film is a work of fiction written and directed by C. Jay Cox. However, Cox drew upon his own personal experiences growing up in the Mormon faith to ground the story in reality. The movie highlights the very real struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals within strict religious communities.