The Falls: Testament of Love (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds primarily between two contrasting American cities: Seattle, where RJ lives openly as a gay man, and Salt Lake City, representing his and Chris's shared religious past. Seattle's progressive, diverse atmosphere provides a stark contrast to Salt Lake City's traditional values, reflecting the central conflict between self-acceptance and societal expectations.

• seattle
• salt lake city
• setting
• locations

The film is set in contemporary present-day America, exploring current societal pressures surrounding sexuality and religious beliefs. The story takes place five years after the characters' initial bond, focusing on modern struggles with identity, love, and faith that continue to affect LGBTQ+ individuals and their families today.

• present day
• contemporary
• time period
• modern america

The film explores how RJ and Chris grapple with their feelings for each other while being confined by societal expectations. Their past connection lingers throughout the narrative, influencing their choices and relationships. The pain of unfulfilled desires is highlighted as they confront what could have been, creating a bittersweet emotional core.

• love
• loss
• unfulfilled desire
• emotional theme

The film portrays the tension between personal truth and religious obligations, particularly through Chris's internal conflict between his marriage and his feelings for RJ. Both characters contend with their Mormon backgrounds, illustrating the challenges faced by those reconciling their faith with their identity in contemporary America.

• faith
• religion
• sexuality
• mormon
• lgbtq

RJ Smith is a magazine editor living openly as a gay man in Seattle. He is depicted as confident and assertive, yet still haunted by his past and religious upbringing. His journey revolves around seeking closure and understanding his complex feelings for Chris, which ultimately leads to significant personal decisions.

• rj smith
• main character
• gay man
• seattle

Chris Merrill is a married man struggling with his identity and the constraints imposed by his family. Initially portraying the facade of a devoted husband and father, his encounter with RJ reveals deep-seated emotions and a yearning for authenticity. His character arc represents the battle between societal acceptance and personal truth.

• chris merrill
• main character
• married man
• conflict

Paul is RJ's supportive partner who provides a loving home and attempts to help RJ cope with their relationship challenges. He embodies patience and understanding, yet feels the strain of RJ's unresolved feelings for Chris. Paul's character represents the difficulties many face in relationships where past complexities linger.

• paul
• rj's partner
• supportive character

Emily is Chris's wife, initially unaware of her husband's inner turmoil and the realities of his past. Her character encapsulates the innocent yet painful consequences of Chris's journey toward self-acceptance. Emily's role highlights the impact of secrets and the struggle many face in intimate relationships.

• emily
• chris's wife
• supporting character

Both main characters navigate their identities in relation to their upbringing and societal pressures. RJ embraces his true self while still processing his religious past, while Chris struggles between his family's expectations and his feelings for RJ. Their journey towards understanding themselves is central to the film's narrative.

• self-discovery
• identity
• personal journey
• growth

Salt Lake City is portrayed as a city of traditional values, known for its stunning mountain views and as the headquarters of the LDS Church. It represents the restrictive religious environment that both RJ and Chris escaped from, and serves as a symbol of the past they share and the societal pressures they continue to wrestle with.

• salt lake city
• mormon
• traditional values
• religious background