The Falls

The events take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern church dynamics and social attitudes toward sexuality. The characters navigate 21st-century life while adhering to traditional LDS rules and expectations. The story moves between a rural hometown, a mission in Utah, and urban neighborhoods, showing current-day points of contact with the world.

The story unfolds across a small town in Idaho and the urban setting around Portland, Oregon, as well as the Mormon training sites in Utah. Idaho is portrayed as the close-knit home where RJ’s faith and family expectations shape his choices. The Portland area serves as a backdrop for urban street engagements during missionary work, while Utah houses the training environment for missionaries.

🏳️‍🌈 Sexual Identity

RJ confronts a same-sex attraction that challenges the church’s teachings, forcing him to choose between personal truth and communal expectations. The film tracks his struggle to reconcile love with the fear of social and familial rejection. The tension exposes the emotional cost of hiding one’s identity in a rigid religious framework.

⛪ Faith vs Freedom

The mission environment imposes strict rules that clash with RJ and Chris’s evolving feelings. The narrative probes how religious obligations can suppress personal growth and honesty. It also shows the pain of disciplining one’s heart to conform to doctrine.

💞 Love and Consequences

A forbidden romance develops between RJ and Chris, transforming their bond and undermining the mission’s agenda. The relationship reshapes their priorities, with betrayal and alienation looming as a result. Their love raises questions about loyalty, happiness, and the cost of authenticity.

🗺️ Identity and Duty

Institutional expectations constrain personal identity and future choices. The film portrays how family, church leadership, and mission culture shape decisions about honesty and belonging. It examines the long arc from concealment to courageous self-acceptance.