Latter Days (2004) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Christian made a wager with his fellow roommates that he could seduce one of the Mormon missionaries living nearby. Initially, it was a casual challenge driven by his confident, flirtatious personality. However, Christian became genuinely intrigued by Aaron, misinterpreting Aaron's religious innocence and shyness as signs of repressed homosexual feelings. What started as a superficial bet evolved into genuine emotional connection as Christian got to know Aaron better.

• christian markelli
• missionary
• seduction bet
• aaron davis

Aaron was a devout Mormon missionary whose religious beliefs taught that homosexual relationships were sinful. He was genuinely conflicted because he had never acted on any same-sex attraction before meeting Christian. Additionally, Aaron was disturbed by Christian's casual view that sex could be meaningless, Aaron needed an emotional and spiritual connection, not just physical intimacy. This fundamental difference in values initially created tension between them.

• aaron davis
• mormon
• resistance
• faith
• beliefs

The kiss happened after Aaron's fellow missionary Paul Ryder suffered a cycling accident, leaving Aaron shaken and emotionally vulnerable. Seeking comfort, Aaron went to Christian's apartment. In an emotional moment of vulnerability, Christian tried to console him with a hug, and the intensity of their suppressed feelings led them to share an unexpected kiss. This was a turning point that neither had planned, driven by Aaron's emotional breakdown after the accident.

• kiss
• emotional moment
• paul ryder
• accident

Aaron was excommunicated after his roommates discovered him kissing Christian and reported it to church leadership. His father, who held authority in their congregation, presided over the disciplinary council that determined Aaron's fate. The church deemed his relationship with Christian as violating fundamental teachings, resulting in his formal removal from the LDS church. This decision shattered Aaron's spiritual identity and relationship with his family.

• excommunication
• mormon church
• family rejection
• father

After Aaron was excommunicated, his parents desperately tried to "fix" their son. Believing his attraction to men was a choice that could be corrected, they enrolled Aaron in a conversion therapy program. This misguided attempt was meant to change his sexual orientation through religious counseling and psychological manipulation. The experience was damaging to Aaron's mental health and further strained his relationship with his family.

• conversion therapy
• parents
• family
• lgbtq
• healing

Christian had no contact with Aaron after their night together at the motel. When Aaron suddenly disappeared without explanation, leaving only his pocket watch behind, Christian assumed the worst. Combined with knowing about Aaron's excommunication and family rejection, Christian concluded that Aaron had taken his own life out of despair. This tragic misunderstanding drove Christian to travel to Idaho to return the pocket watch to Aaron's mother.

• suicide
• misunderstanding
• pocket watch
• grief
• idaho

The pocket watch is Aaron's treasured family heirloom that his mother gave him before his mission. When Aaron left the motel after their intimate night together, he left the pocket watch behind as a symbolic gesture, perhaps as a way to hold onto something meaningful or as a final connection to his past life before fully embracing his new reality with Christian. Christian kept it as a precious reminder of Aaron throughout their separation.

• pocket watch
• heirloom
• family
• symbol
• left behind

Julie wrote a song based on Christian's journal entries about his relationship with Aaron. When Christian discovered she had used his private thoughts without permission, he was furious. Meanwhile, Aaron, who was undergoing treatment, overheard someone performing this emotionally charged song. The lyrics directly referenced their relationship and reignited Aaron's determination to find Christian and reconnect, providing the catalyst for his recovery and return.

• julie
• song
• journal
• reconnection
• treatment

Lila Montagne is the owner of Lila's restaurant where Christian and Julie work as waitstaff. She is a retired actress who becomes a mentor and mother figure to both Christian and later Aaron. Lila provides a safe space and unconditional acceptance for them. She had known Christian before his relationship with Aaron developed and offers wisdom about love and acceptance. Her final message at Thanksgiving about always having a place at her table symbolizes the acceptance both characters desperately sought.

Foreshadowing: Lila already knows Christian through their work relationship before Aaron arrives

• lila
• restaurant
• acceptance
• mentor
• support

Christian began volunteering at an AIDS charity after a heated argument with Aaron, where Aaron accused him of being shallow and treating sex without meaning. This accusation prompted Christian to reflect on his values and seek deeper purpose. Through volunteering, he formed a meaningful connection with an AIDS patient, which helped him mature and become a more thoughtful, less self-centered person, a transformation that made him worthy of Aaron's affection.

• aids charity
• volunteer
• character growth
• maturity

After Aaron completed his treatment, he went to Christian's apartment hoping to reconcile but found a stranger at the door, leading him to believe Christian had moved on. Heartbroken, he went to Lila's restaurant to confide in her. Just then, Christian arrived, and they finally reunited. The emotional reunion confirmed their enduring love for each other, and they prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving together with their chosen family, signifying their acceptance and commitment.

• reunion
• apartment
• misunderstanding
• thanks giving
• lila