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The Falls: Testament of Love (2013)
Attention! Calling all hopeless romantics
I finally came around and watched this film (and the prequel) and both made such an impact on me, I wanted to post my first IMDb review on it. While I may not be Mormon nor overtly religious in general, I think anyone who has ever been in love and/or ever experienced such an intense feeling for someone that it still resonates with you to this day will absolutely fall for this film and its two leading actors. Yes, The Falls definitely focuses on religion and the characters' own experiences/torment with coming to terms with their own sexuality and what it means with regards to religion. However, I think at the end of the day for me, this film is about love and all that comes with it: hope, despair, yearning for this one person, connection but most of all, being at ease with this person.
As many other posters have noted, in order for you to really get an understanding of The Falls' world, I would highly suggest watching the prequel first, and then watching this sequel. While these two films are considered "low budget"/indie, I thought Garcia and the whole cast did a phenomenal job. Not only were both films so believable (that's the beauty of "indie" films), the story really hooked me. Sure, some may say that this is just a typical "gay film about characters coming out and dealing with it", but I think they are missing the point. I've seen A LOT of LGBTQ films and there are only a handful that haunt/linger with me afterwards. These two movies - and in particular, this sequel - left me in such a daze. Like I said, for me this movie was about love and watching this, reminded me of my first love and the emotional roller coaster that ensued. Much like the film's story, we met up years after losing touch and that surrealness (that RJ so brilliantly talked about) was so palpable in our meet. Then came the memories: the yearning and longing for this person and the "what if" feelings. I may be digressing but what I am trying to point out is that this movie was so authentic in its portrayal of lost love and the re-kindling of feelings.
I can't post this review without applauding both leads, Nick Ferrucci (RJ) and Ben Farmer (Chris). Both actors did a stupendous job of portraying their characters' emotions, struggles, and love. Now some reviewers were criticizing the "lack of affection" between the leads. I wholeheartedly disagree - I thought if anything, the affection and emotions were stronger in this sequel than in the prequel. The love was so palpable and real on screen that if I didn't know any better, I would honestly think they were a couple in real life. Bravo because too often, the actors that play gay roles, while good, aren't truly believable. Nick and Ben? I'm actually mad that they aren't together in real life (half joking)! For me, I truly cared for them. Yes, this is a film and make-believe, but you know when a film is so well made (and its actors did their jobs) you are pulled into its world and for a couple hours you believe that the characters are real - or at least pretend that they exist. Like I said earlier, only a handful of films have lingered with me including Beautiful Thing where both Jamie & Ste's characters were so well acted and believable, you wanted them to live happily ever after. With The Falls, you want both RJ and Chris to live that fairy tale life...and while you don't see it on screen, the ending gives you hope. Yes, that may sound corny to many, but what is life without love and hope? The Falls and its two leading actors make you want to believe - it certainly did with me!
There were many scenes that really stood out (most of them towards the middle/end), and after watching the film, I went back to re-watch. The emotion and realness of these scenes were so authentic that watching some of them, will break your heart. Make sure to pay close attention to:
- the sequence where RJ and Chris see each other for the first time in what appears to be the hotel dining area, and there's that elephant in the room but neither are going to bring it up until the next scene where RJ walks Chris up to his room...the emotion and acting that ensued were phenomenal. It will make you want to shout at your screen, cry in anger and out of empathy all in one swoop.
- the scene in RJ's room where they finally "connect", both Ben & Nick were SO believable that it made you forget that you were watching a film. Especially the ending of the "erotic" scene, both actors didn't say anything, but they didn't have to, their facial expressions (the eyes) said everything for them...this was when I was so mad that they weren't a couple in real life!
- while messed up, the scene where Chris comes out to his family with RJ present was done with such conviction and love...I teared up when Chris said the line "I'm gay...and I'm in love with him." RJ's reaction was so tender yet sad (it was the moment that RJ has been waiting for for 5 years)...and yes, Hannah Barefoot (the wife) did a standup job
- the aftermath that ensued...you have to watch it to understand the pure emotion (of love and everything that comes with it) that was portrayed
I can go on but I'm approaching my word limit! One last note, the music was perfect - especially "With My Heart Held Up High" by Owen Duff...brilliantly sets the mood for the scene(s). Thank you to everyone who made this series happen - I wouldn't be mad if a third instalment was made #justsaying