Save Me (2007/I)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Robert Cary

Writers (WGA):

Robert Desiderio (screenplay)
Craig Chester (story) ...

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A sex and drug addicted young man who is forced into a Christian-run ministry in an attempt to cure him of his "gay affliction", where instead he is faced with the truth in his heart and spirit. |

Plot Keywords:

Gay Sex | Friendship Between Men | Forbidden Kiss | Jesus Christ | Prayer Group

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jeremy Glazer	...	Trey
Chad Allen	...	Mark
David Petruzzi	...	Dustin
Arron Shiver	...	Jude
Colin Jones	...	Randall
Stephen Lang	...	Ted
Judith Light	...	Gayle
William Dennis Hurley	...	Bill
Robert Gant	...	Scott
Robert Baker	...	Lester
Ross Kelly	...	Adam
Luce Rains	...	Clerk
Paul Scallan	...	Paul
Carmen Morales	...	Lydia
Forrest Fyre	...	Dr. Wilson

Runtime:

USA:96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

New Mexico, USA

Company:

Mythgarden

Movie Connections:

References "Sesame Street" (1969)

Soundtrack:

Oh Happy Day

Fairly deals with multiple perspectives concerning faith and sexuality...

This movie touches all of us on some level. We all know people who struggle with identity and faith. I find the conflict between faith and sexuality to be a very delicate and personal issue. This movie deals with the internal and external struggles gay Christians face as they confront who they are and what they believe. The storyline/plot is interesting and the character development is thorough and convincing. It fairly deals with many different perspectives and allows the viewer to come to their own conclusions.

Oftentimes Christians are criticized for being bigoted and judgmental, not without some merit, but these labels do not fairly describe all Christians. This movie does not make use of these stereotypes; instead, it shows that even Christians are people struggling with their own identity.

Judith Light's (Gayle) performance is outstanding, and although you may not agree with her beliefs, you can understand and respect her perspective. From her past mistakes, revealed in the movie, she has learned that love and acceptance are better than the unhealthy, sometimes destructive, consequences that come from denial and rejection. Gayle's husband, Ted, played by Stephen Lang, portrays a subtle contrast to her more rigid beliefs, and his 'coach vs. referee' approach serves as a fine example.

Despite how some people view it, Ted and Gayle's ministry, Genesis House, does not force or seek to brainwash the residents. The residents all are adults who have chosen to be there, for whatever reason. One memorable scene in this movie is when Gayle tells Mark, "I don't change people. I try to show them how to get closer to Jesus Christ, and let them make their own way."

The real heroes in this story, however, are the "boys," with excellent performances given by Robert Gant (Scott), Chad Allen (Mark), and Robert Baker (Lester). Their individual journeys are a mixture of pain, love, rejection, and acceptance.

This movie is not anti/pro gay, nor is it anti/pro Christian. It is merely pro love and pro people. I know this description sounds corny and trite, but for those who have seen this movie, perhaps you can agree.