The Falls

RJ Smith grows up in a small Idaho town with the expectation of serving a two-year Mormon mission after high school. He excels in sports and maintains a long-term girlfriend, living within the church's strict rules on sexuality. His life is framed by his faith and family obligations.

RJ accidentally witnesses same-sex activity in a park, triggering doubts about his sexuality. He learns that the church views same-sex attraction as a sin, a realization that complicates his beliefs. He chooses to bury the incident to preserve his commitments.

RJ leaves for missionary training in Utah and is partnered with Chris Merrill, a more experienced missionary whose father holds a high church position. They are assigned to work near Portland, Oregon, sharing a small apartment. Chris outlines the strict rules and daily schedule that will govern their mission.

The pair canvass busy areas, knock on doors, and cycle through the city while compiling weekly activity reports. They face frequent rejection as they try to share the LDS gospel. The demanding routine tests their faith and cohesion as partners.

They visit Rodney, a PTSD-stricken Marine veteran who hesitates about religion. They persuade him to accept a Book of Mormon and invite him into their circle, offering companionship and spiritual support. His loneliness makes him a key figure in shaping their missional approach.

They are invited to a dinner with a man who probes their beliefs and exposes controversial church histories. He accuses their prophet of serious wrongdoing, provoking Chris's anger. The confrontation forces them to retreat and reassess their stance.

Following the incident, Chris grows disillusioned with the mission and stops enforcing the strict rules. He seems to be going through the motions, impacting their effectiveness and dynamic.

During a restaurant dinner RJ voices concern about Chris's waning passion. A drunken redneck accuses them of being homosexuals, leading to a confrontation on the walk home. RJ defends Chris, and they return to the apartment with RJ nursing a bruised hand.

That night RJ gazes at his sleeping companion with tenderness but remains bound by his church's stance on sexuality. He struggles with the risk of losing everything he values if he acts on his feelings. The tension marks a turning point in his inner conflict.

In a remote area near railroad tracks, Chris questions RJ about doubt and temptation. They share a passionate kiss and eventually consummate their relationship in a grove of trees. The two acknowledge they are in love, reshaping their priorities and actions.

The couple reduces their missionary commitments and focus more on their relationship. They continue to meet Rodney, whose loneliness and backstory continues to shape their choices. Rodney introduces them to marijuana and inspires them with road-trip stories.

Their mission zone leader notices their lack of dedication and finally enters their unlocked apartment, finding them in bed together. The discovery triggers immediate consequences for RJ, who is sent home from the mission. The incident exposes the conflict between their sexuality and church expectations.

RJ is sent home in disgrace, facing his father, his former girlfriend, and church leaders who condemn him for being gay. He refuses to apologize and declares his intention to live honestly. The family and church world press him to conform, but he remains defiant.

Because his father wields influence, Chris is allowed to finish his mission while remaining in contact with RJ through US mail. The two maintain a long-distance connection despite disapproval. RJ continues to navigate his faith and identity.

The film ends on a hopeful note as RJ plans a three-month road trip with Chris across the American West. They imagine a life beyond the church's restrictions and promise to explore their relationship together. The ending leaves their future open but optimistic.