A gay-themed short dramedy unfolds as a closeted gay priest, Father Walter (Enrico Vandini), grapples with conflicting feelings for an ostentatious gay man, Claudio (Fabrizio Colica), who disrupts his church when proposing a play about the resurrection of Lazarus. The film explores the clash between tradition and evolving perspectives, questioning the priest's self-proclaimed modern views and delving into the complexities of faith, identity, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating their sexuality within a religious context.
“Lazarus Come Out” (2015) is a captivating gay-themed short dramedy directed by Lorenzo Caproni. Set against the backdrop of a church community, the film unfolds the nuanced story of Father Walter (Enrico Vandini), a closeted gay priest whose life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Claudio (Fabrizio Colica), an openly gay and ostentatious man proposing a play about the resurrection of Lazarus.
The stellar cast includes Fabrizio Colica, Alla Krasovitzkaya, Davide Lipari, Sara Serraiocco, and Enrico Vandini. Each actor brings depth to their characters, contributing to the film’s exploration of faith, identity, and the clash between tradition and modern perspectives.
Director Lorenzo Caproni skillfully navigates the delicate balance between drama and comedy, offering a narrative that both entertains and prompts introspection. The plot revolves around Father Walter’s internal struggle as he questions the authenticity of his proclaimed modern views when faced with Claudio’s exuberant and provocative approach to the Lazarus resurrection story.
The film cleverly uses the staging of an annual church play as a backdrop, introducing a script written by Claudio that becomes a catalyst for a series of events. As Father Walter becomes increasingly drawn to Claudio, the tension builds, highlighting the complexities of self-acceptance within the confines of religious expectations.
The narrative is laced with comical asides, showcasing the priest’s embarrassment in the face of Claudio’s exuberant group of aspiring actors. The playful style of the film juxtaposes the lives of two gay men at different stages of the coming-out process, adding both sweetness and bitterness to the storytelling.
While the film successfully captures the humorous elements of the clash between tradition and change, some viewers may find that it hesitates to fully explore the potential intensity of the relationship between Father Walter and Claudio. The abrupt cut of a significant moment hints at missed opportunities to delve deeper into the characters’ experiences.
“Lazarus Come Out” is a exploration of faith and identity within the context of the church. Its seductive mix of sweet and bitter moments, coupled with strong performances from the cast, makes it a compelling short film that tackles significant themes with humor and introspection.
I recommend that you watch another film directed by Lorenzo Caproni, The Necklace (2014).
