The Falls: Covenant of Grace picks up where the second film left off, with RJ Smith, now living an openly gay life in Portland, and Chris Merrill, still a devoted Mormon living in Salt Lake City. Though separated by geography and religious differences, the two reunite when Chris visits RJ for a weekend. Their relationship is tested by a new Church guideline that bans the baptism of children raised by same-sex couples, putting their future and Chris’s relationship with his daughter at risk. When tragedy strikes Chris's family, RJ travels to Salt Lake City to support him, leading Chris's father, a high-ranking member of the Mormon Church, to reconsider his stance on same-sex relationships. Despite Noah Merrill's plea to the Church to change its views, Chris and RJ are forced to make tough choices about their relationship and faith.
The Falls – Covenant of Grace is the final, and arguably most powerful, installment in Jon Garcia’s trilogy that follows RJ Smith and Chris Merrill, two former Mormon missionaries navigating the deeply personal terrain of love, identity, and faith. This chapter brings closure to a story that started with unexpected attraction and developed into a life-altering connection, one that challenges not only religious norms but also their own understanding of themselves. With tender direction, an unflinching script, and outstanding performances by Nick Ferrucci and Benjamin Farmer, The Falls – Covenant of Grace offers a compelling look at the human heart’s capacity for love and resilience.
In The Falls – Covenant of Grace Jon Garcia’s direction brings a quiet intimacy to RJ and Chris’s journey, making every glance and touch between them a testament to the resilience of their love.
The film dives into the heart of RJ and Chris’s relationship, now mature and more tested than ever. Having spent years struggling with the clash between their faith and their love, they find themselves again at a critical juncture, torn between staying true to each other and adhering to the expectations of their families and community. The Falls – Covenant of Grace is unafraid to delve into the heavy themes of religious guilt, the pain of family rejection, and the need for personal liberation. At its core, the film examines the sacrifices often required of LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative religious communities, exploring both the price of hiding and the price of living openly.
Director Jon Garcia’s approach is restrained yet intimate, allowing the story to unfold with a pace that respects the gravity of its themes. The film is as much about the internal journey as it is about external obstacles. Garcia captures the universal aspects of RJ and Chris’s story, making it resonate not just with LGBTQ+ audiences but with anyone who has faced conflict between love and societal expectations.
Nick Ferrucci and Benjamin Farmer deliver raw, heartfelt performances that capture the tension between religious duty and the human desire for connection and acceptance.
The performances by Nick Ferrucci (RJ Smith) and Benjamin Farmer (Chris Merrill) are nothing short of exceptional. Nick Ferrucci portrays RJ with sensitivity, capturing a character torn by religious guilt and yearning for authenticity. Ferrucci’s RJ is introspective and complex, a man who feels deeply but often hesitates to act on his feelings. His portrayal reveals the character’s internal conflict and vulnerability, making RJ’s journey feel raw and genuine.
Benjamin Farmer as Chris brings a contrasting strength and resilience to his role, grounding RJ’s indecision with his own resolve. Farmer plays Chris as someone who has come to terms with his identity, even if that acceptance brings pain. The chemistry between Ferrucci and Farmer is palpable, showing two characters who understand each other intimately yet remain haunted by the world around them. Their moments together are filled with both tension and tenderness, underscoring the deep bond they share.
The Falls – Covenant of Grace is a profound exploration of love and faith, unflinchingly portraying the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative religious communities.
What makes The Falls – Covenant of Grace so affecting is its willingness to show the quiet, painful moments of its protagonists’ lives. The film is visually subtle, yet every frame seems to convey something unsaid between RJ and Chris. Whether it’s in a silent exchange of glances or a comforting touch, Garcia’s direction captures the unspoken elements of their love. The cinematography is reflective and intentional, mirroring the internal turmoil and emotional depth of the characters.
The film’s score and lighting work in tandem to create a somber, reflective tone that reinforces the gravity of RJ and Chris’s situation. There are no grand gestures or explosive confrontations; instead, the film opts for a realistic approach, making their emotional journey feel all the more relatable. This restraint also allows the film’s most powerful moments to hit harder, as it builds up to a conclusion that is as much about self-acceptance as it is about mutual love.
Strengths and Critique
One of the film’s strengths is its unflinching look at the consequences of religious guilt and societal expectations on LGBTQ+ lives. It neither vilifies religion nor absolves it of its role in the emotional struggles RJ and Chris face. Instead, it shows how deeply ingrained beliefs can both comfort and confine, illustrating the paradox many LGBTQ+ individuals experience within conservative faith communities.
However, the film’s slow pacing and introspective nature may not appeal to all viewers, particularly those looking for dramatic developments. This is a film that rewards patience and contemplation; it demands the audience to sit with the discomfort, to feel the weight of RJ and Chris’s decisions. For those willing to engage with it on this level, however, the payoff is immense, offering a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
The Falls – Covenant of Grace is a beautifully crafted film that provides an honest, empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in religious communities. Through strong performances by Nick Ferrucci and Benjamin Farmer, and Jon Garcia’s thoughtful direction, the film captures the essence of a love that survives against the odds and examines the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. This is not only a fitting conclusion to RJ and Chris’s story but also an important contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema, encouraging audiences to reflect on acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of love.
For anyone seeking a heartfelt, profound exploration of identity and faith, The Falls – Covenant of Grace is an unforgettable journey that resonates long after the credits roll.
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