The Falls: Testament of Love

Five years after their shared mission and road trip, Mormon missionaries RJ Smith and Chris Merrill, who fell in love, find themselves out of contact. Upon returning home, Chris was coerced into reparative therapy by his father, Noah, and subsequently married a woman and became a father. Now residing in Salt Lake City, he works as a pharmaceutical representative, leading a life in accordance with LDS values, convinced that he must repress his true self to achieve an eternal family in heaven.

On the other hand, RJ, having completed college, now works as a magazine editor in Seattle. Out and proud, he has been in a long-term relationship with Paul. Despite his new life, RJ cannot shake his religious upbringing, as he continues to pray and wear sacred undergarments. However, he also indulges in alcohol and coffee—activities considered forbidden. Still unable to forget Chris, he published a book detailing their relationship, oblivious to Chris’s new life as a husband and father.

One day at work, RJ receives a call from Gloria, the mother of Rodney, a veteran he met during his mission whom he stayed in touch with. Gloria informs RJ of Rodney’s passing, prompting him to attend the funeral. Coincidentally, Chris also decides to attend the service. When their paths cross at the graveside, Chris avoids eye contact and tries to leave without speaking to RJ. However, RJ insists they meet for closure, and Chris reluctantly agrees.

Their meeting is fraught with tension, with Chris appearing distinctly uncomfortable as he reveals he is a practicing Mormon with a family. RJ, frustrated, shares that he is dating Paul but they cannot reconcile their differences, leaving RJ to return home to a supportive Paul, who has prepared a loving dinner for him.

As both RJ and Chris grapple with their complicated emotions, old memories resurface. RJ gently ends his relationship with Paul, admitting he cannot give him what he needs. Meanwhile, Chris struggles with intimacy with his wife, Emily, after their encounter. Conflicted, he retreats to a mirror, grappling with feelings of self-loathing.

Driven by a mix of emotions, RJ impulsively decides to confront Chris about his marriage. He tells his boss he is writing an article about Salt Lake City and heads back there, yearning for closure regarding Chris’s decision to cut ties. Upon arriving at Chris’s home, he is met by Emily, who is unaware of Chris’s past and invites RJ in for dinner.

That night, Chris sneaks a note under RJ’s door, and the two meet in a park the following day. Their conversation is strained, with Chris feeling trapped yet unable to voice it. Eventually, they regroup at RJ’s hotel room, where Chris recounts his experience with reparative therapy. Apologetic, he provides RJ with the closure he sought, though it leaves RJ disheartened. They bid farewell with a hug, reminiscent of old friends.

Shortly after, Chris hosts a dinner with a Mormon couple, during which the man discusses church matters and alludes to their shared struggles with same-sex attraction, igniting Chris’s fury. When the women return, it becomes evident that an argument has transpired, yet silence envelops the tension.

Later, during an evening out, Emily drives by RJ’s hotel and spots Chris’s car. She discovers the two men giving in to their passion, leading to a confrontation filled with betrayal. Chris then calls a family meeting to come clean about his sexuality, shocking his family. His father, initially supportive, ultimately demands a letter be written to inform family and friends of Chris’s “sin.”

As family tensions escalate, Chris’s relationship with Emily deteriorates while his father shares his disdain. Chris admits to his mother that he feels love for RJ that transcends his marriage.

Afterward, at a 25th wedding anniversary gathering for Chris’s parents, in a shocking turn of events, RJ bursts in and kisses Chris passionately, leaving the attendees in disbelief. With RJ returning to Seattle and Chris confronting the aftermath of his revelations, RJ receives a letter from Chris granting him forgiveness for the public display.

The film concludes with RJ’s reflective voiceover, suggesting that while their relationship remains unresolved, it is far from over.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:40