Release Date: 2002 Duration: 108 min
Cast: Jeff London, Patrick Orion Hoesterey, Ron Petronicolos, Mike Dolan, Merrick McMahon, Elizabeth Flesh
Categories: Movies Gay & Lesbian Films Drama
A conflicted bible college student faces the wrath of his homophobic classmates when his true sexuality is revealed in filmmaker Jeff London's sophomore drama. Upon returning to school following summer break, Paul's internal conflict rages as he... MORE
A conflicted bible college student faces the wrath of his homophobic classmates when his true sexuality is revealed in filmmaker Jeff London's sophomore drama. Upon returning to school following summer break, Paul's internal conflict rages as he struggles to find common ground between his spirituality and sexuality. When Paul makes the acquaintance of new student Alex, their quickly deepening friendship begins to draw the suspicions of their classmates. Increasingly targeted for harassment by the intolerant student body and threatened with expulsion by the school board, Paul and Alex find that the same people who preach peace and forgiveness seem unable to look beyond their sexuality to accept them on a spiritual level. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi LESS
The Last Year explores the challenges of coming out while coming of age in a hostile religious environment. Paul is a gay student at a conservative Bible college struggling to reconcile his homosexual identity with his religious convictions. When he strikes up a relationship with new student Alex, Paul faces the very un-Christian hatred of his fellow students and possible expulsion from the school's closeted Dean. Based on a true story, The Last Year fashions a thoughtful examination of the clash between spirituality and sexuality.
The film examines the lives of three young gay men at various stages of being out, attending a 'Christian' college.
Hector (Merrick McMahon) has been outed, is persecuted by the Dean and his jock henchmen, and is shunned by 'friends'. Alex (gently and winningly portrayed by Mike Dolan) is new, though a senior, because his father hopes the religious environment will cure him of 'a certain young man' from home. Paul (beautiful and troubled, played perfectly by Ron Petronicolos) is way in the closet after getting in trouble in a library restroom over the summer. He hides his feelings at first, but soon tells his room-mate and best friend Robby (Patrick Hoesterey). Robby is straight, and surprised, but quickly comes to terms with his fears because of his love for his friend. The four become a little family and try to protect each other from the violence, intolerance, and hypocrisy that surrounds them. Each character is lovingly played, and they all change in remarkable ways. Alex falls in love with Paul and leads him towards the light of self-realization and personal commitment. Hector, unfortunately, is not so lucky. They are watched over by St. Jude, who appears briefly in one of the sweetest moments of the film.
There are certain flaws and stretches of credulity in the story, but the overwhelming sincerity and heartfelt nature of the writing and acting help to give the film a full five-stars in my book.
Serendipitous are the 'outtakes', being beautifully edited and really funny -- felicitously so after the seriousness of the film. The 'interviews' reveal the actors to be quite the same as they are on camera. And, happily, not one of them feels the need to declare, as so many do in 'gay' cinema, that they are straight in real life. That, being so refreshing, in itself earns an extra star ..
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