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Latter Days

Name: Latter Days
Director: C. Jay Cox
Released: 2004
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2004

Director

C. Jay Cox

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Latter Days is a significant early-2000s queer film that uses personal romance to critique institutionalized religious structures. By highlighting the conflict between a missionary’s duties and his true identity, the film effectively questions traditional social norms. The film offers a sophisticated critique of cultural and religious themes, yet its focus on specific socioeconomic and religious subcultures leads to a lack of racial and ethnic diversity. While the film successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies, its narrative remains centered on male interpersonal dynamics, limiting broader gender exploration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Latter Days have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on queer identity, examining the tension between religious beliefs and genuine self-expression. It explores the challenges of navigating the closet and maintaining authentic intimacy.

How does Latter Days portray gender?

Good

The story overturns traditional gender roles by showing the collapse of the typical nuclear family structure. It highlights the shift in power dynamics away from the traditional provider role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Latter Days?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white due to the specific setting in West Hollywood. The story does not emphasize racial or ethnic diversity among its characters.

How does Latter Days represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes the strictness of Mormonism and traditional religious institutions. It portrays the protagonist's journey as a fight for freedom from rigid religious indoctrination.

Does Latter Days include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities that significantly influence the narrative.

Present on Screen

Explores the nuances of queer identity and the complexities of the closet.
Provides a sophisticated critique of religious rigidity and systemic indoctrination.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by breaking down the conventional nuclear family model.

Limited or Absent

Does not include racial or ethnic diversity among its characters.
Focuses primarily on male interpersonal dynamics rather than broader gender representation.

Official Synopsis

Christian, a hunky, 20-something, West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains for when he tries to seduce Aaron, a sexually confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex.

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