What Is Latter Days About?
The premise of Latter Days in 265 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑drenched sprawl of Los Angeles, the city’s restless energy clashes with quiet faith traditions. Neon signs and palm‑lined boulevards frame a world where missionaries navigate modernity, and everyone—whether serving tables or crafting songs—searches for a place they can truly call home. The film’s tone is intimate yet vibrant, blending the glossy surface of LA life with the lingering ache of hidden yearning.
Aaron arrives from the quiet hills of Idaho, fresh‑off his mission call and steeped in the teachings of his church. As a young elder, he carries a deep devotion that guides his daily routine, yet the glittering metropolis tests his convictions in unexpected ways. He lives among fellow missionaries, each grappling with the weight of belief while the city whispers alternatives that feel both thrilling and threatening.
Across the hallway, Christian—a charismatic, openly gay young man—makes his living as a waiter in a trendy restaurant owned by the retired actress Lila. His confidence and playful daring contrast sharply with Aaron’s earnest restraint, setting the stage for a subtle, electric pull between them. Their interactions hint at a friendship that could become something more, prompting both to question the narratives they’ve been taught about love, purpose, and identity.
Supporting voices—Julie, Christian’s roommate and aspiring songwriter, and the warm‑hearted staff at the restaurant—offer glimpses of community that both uplift and challenge the protagonists. As the two men navigate the juxtaposition of sacred duty and personal truth, the story promises a heartfelt exploration of acceptance, the courage to confront inner conflict, and the possibility that love may flourish in the most unlikely of neighborhoods.
What Happens in Latter Days?
The complete story of Latter Days, from the first scene to the last, in 758 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, Elder Aaron Davis, a committed Mormon from Pocatello, Idaho, finds himself on an unexpected journey alongside a group of missionaries tasked with spreading their faith. Their residence is surprisingly close to the lively Christian Markelli and his roommate Julie, both of whom earn a living as waitstaff at Lila’s, a chic restaurant operated by the retired actress Lila Montagne.
With a playful audacity, Christian wagers with his fellow missionaries that he can seduce one of them into a romantic entanglement. To his surprise, he becomes intrigued by Aaron, the least experienced of the missionaries, whom he mistakenly assumes is grappling with hidden homosexual feelings. Their lives intertwine further as they frequently cross paths within their apartment complex. After Christian sustains an injury, Aaron steps in to care for him, leading to a series of charged encounters that deepen their connection.
As Christian attempts to woo Aaron, he is met with firm resistance, as Aaron is perturbed by Christian’s casual assertion that sex can be devoid of meaning. Frustration mounts for Aaron, prompting an accusation of shallowness towards Christian that sends him storming out. This ignites a change within Christian, compelling him to volunteer for a charity providing meals for those affected by AIDS, where he forms a meaningful bond with one of the recipients. Simultaneously, Aaron engages in discussions with Lila, unaware of the ties she has to Christian.
Aaron’s life takes a dramatic turn when his fellow missionary, Paul Ryder, suffers a cycling accident. Shaken and despondent, Aaron inadvertently encounters Christian, who seeks to console him with a hug. The emotional turmoil of the moment leads them to share an unexpected kiss, oblivious to the return of Aaron’s other roommates. This pivotal moment incites a chain reaction that results in Aaron’s rash departure and a fallout with Ryder.
Ryder, furious at Christian for leading Aaron astray, confronts him, only for Christian to reveal that what began as a simple wager has transformed into something far more significant. With each reflection on their burgeoning bond, Ryder offers a crucial insight: Aaron’s layover in Salt Lake City could provide Christian with a chance to reach out to him.
Standing outside the airport, Christian awaits Aaron’s arrival. When they are reunited, Aaron’s reluctance dissipates as they openly confess their feelings for one another. However, a snowstorm forces them to remain together for an intimate night in a motel, where their connection intensifies. The following morning, Christian awakens to find Aaron missing, with only Aaron’s pocket watch—a treasured family heirloom—left behind.
As Christian heads back to Los Angeles, he remains unaware that Aaron has faced excommunication from his church under his father’s presiding authority. Coping with the fallout of this rejection, Aaron is urged by his mother to seek forgiveness, while his father harshly scolds him for his perceived failures. Attempts to unveil his truth to his mother end with a stinging slap, casting Aaron deeper into emotional turmoil.
Back in Los Angeles, Christian remains ignorant of the chaos enveloping Aaron’s life, who grapples with his identity and the rejection from his family. Under pressure to “correct” their son, Aaron’s parents enroll him in a conversion therapy program. The detrimental effects of this misguided initiative are starkly revealed when Christian faces Aaron’s mother, who accuses him of causing her son’s distress.
In a cloud of sorrow, Christian mistakenly believes Aaron has taken his own life. Gripped by grief, he travels to Idaho, shedding tears as he returns the pocket watch to Aaron’s mother, only to find that Aaron has indeed survived but is locked in a battle with his new reality.
Meanwhile, Julie attempts to create a song inspired by Christian’s journal entries documenting their chaotic relationship. This act ignites turmoil when Christian discovers that she has appropriated his personal experiences without permission. Unbeknownst to them, Aaron overhears the emotionally charged lyrics during his time in treatment, which reignite his determination to reconnect with Christian.
When Aaron arrives at Christian’s apartment to find a stranger answers the door, despair washes over him, leading him to fear that Christian has moved on. Heartbroken and uncertain, he seeks comfort from Lila at her restaurant, where he shares the tale of his self-exploration and pain. Just when things seem bleak, Christian enters, flooding with joy at the sight of Aaron, alive and thriving.
As they embrace and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with Christian’s colleagues, Lila offers a heartwarming reminder: “No matter what, you will always have a place at my table, and a place in my heart.”
Latter Days Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Aaron's Arrival in Los Angeles” to “Lila's Heartfelt Words”. 8 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Aaron's Arrival in Los Angeles
Elder Aaron Davis arrives in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles from Pocatello, Idaho, ready to embark on his mission. He joins a group of missionaries dedicated to spreading their faith, unaware of the life-altering experiences that await him.
Where:Los Angeles
- 2
Meeting Christian and Julie
Aaron's fellow missionaries reside near Christian Markelli and his roommate Julie, both of whom work at a chic restaurant called Lila's. This proximity sets the stage for intertwining lives and unexpected friendships.
Where:Lila's Restaurant, Los Angeles
- 3
The Bet
In a bold move, Christian wagers with his fellow missionaries that he can seduce one of them, specifically targeting Aaron. He misinterprets Aaron’s innocence as a sign of repressed feelings, igniting his interest.
- 4
Caring for Christian
After Christian sustains an injury, Aaron takes it upon himself to nurse him back to health. This act of care leads to a series of emotionally charged encounters that deepen their connection, complicating their lives.
- 5
Conflict Over Beliefs
As they grow closer, Aaron expresses his discomfort with Christian's belief that sex can be devoid of meaning. This contention culminates in a heated argument, forcing Christian to confront his views on relationships.
- 6
Christian's Change of Heart
Following the fight, Christian is moved to volunteer at a charity that provides meals for those affected by AIDS. Through this work, he develops a meaningful bond with a recipient, prompting him to reflect on his priorities.
- 7
Aaron's Turning Point
Amidst his rising connection with Christian, Aaron starts having insightful discussions with Lila, unaware of her ties to Christian. These conversations start to shape his understanding of love and faith.
- 8
Paul Ryder's Accident
Aaron's life takes a drastic turn when fellow missionary Paul Ryder suffers a cycling accident. This event deeply unsettles Aaron, leading him to seek solace in Christian’s company, resulting in an unexpected kiss.
- 9
A Heartfelt Reunion
At the airport, Christian waits excitedly for Aaron's arrival. Their reunion quickly turns into an open confession of feelings, but a snowstorm forces them to share a night together in a motel, intensifying their relationship.
Where:Motel
- 10
Aaron's Family Fallout
Following their night together, Aaron faces backlash from his family, resulting in his excommunication from the church. His father's harsh scolding and mother's urging for forgiveness plunge Aaron into deeper emotional turmoil.
Where:Pocatello, Idaho
Show the other 5 events of Latter Days Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Misunderstanding and Grief
Christian, unaware of Aaron's struggles, mistakenly believes that Aaron has taken his own life. Gripped by grief, he returns to Idaho and attempts to return Aaron's pocket watch to his mother, only to learn that Aaron is alive.
Where:Idaho
- 12
Julie’s Song and Its Consequences
Meanwhile, Julie adapts Christian’s journal entries into a song, provoking anger when Christian discovers what she has done. This incident reaches Aaron, who overhears the lyrics and feels inspired to reconnect with Christian.
- 13
Aaron’s Despair
When Aaron arrives at Christian's apartment, he is met with heartbreak as a stranger answers the door, leading him to believe Christian has moved on. In his despair, he confides in Lila about his struggles.
Where:Lila's Restaurant
- 14
Joyful Reunion
Just as Aaron's situation seems hopeless, Christian arrives and the two share an emotional reunion. Their feelings reignite, and they prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones, reaffirming their bond.
Where:Christian's Apartment
- 15
Lila's Heartfelt Words
As the two reconnect, Lila offers a touching reminder of support and love, declaring that regardless of their paths, they will always have a place at her table. This sentiment symbolizes the acceptance they both long for.
Where:Lila's Restaurant
Who Are the Main Characters in Latter Days?
5 characters, among them Elder Aaron Davis, Christian Markelli and Paul Ryder: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Elder Aaron Davis
Played by Mary Kay Place
Aaron is a committed yet conflicted Mormon missionary from Idaho. His journey of self-discovery is at the heart of the film, as he grapples with his sexual identity against the backdrop of his faith. Aaron's character embodies innocence and a deep yearning for connection, only to rear a newfound strength through adversity.
- 👨🎤 Missionary
- 💖 Self-discovery
- 🌈 LGBTQ+
- CM
Christian Markelli
Played by Steve Sandvoss
Christian is a charismatic and playful waiter who embarks on a journey of emotional growth as he falls for Aaron. Initially driven by a wager, his transformation from a superficial lifestyle to one filled with depth and compassion reveals his complex character. Christian's openness allows him to be a catalyst in Aaron's quest for identity.
- 🍷 Waitstaff
- 🎭 Charismatic
- 🌱 Growth
- PR
Paul Ryder
Paul is Aaron’s fellow missionary, who represents the conventional perspective and often serves as a foil to Christian. His strong convictions about faith and sexuality lead to significant conflict within the narrative, highlighting the struggles faced by those caught in rigid belief systems.
- 📖 Faithful
- 📏 Conventional
- 🔥 Tension
- J
Julie
Played by Amber Benson
Julie's character adds complexity to the narrative as Christian’s roommate and a source of emotional support, yet also embodies the challenges of selfishness. She attempts to channel her experiences into her art, which leads to significant confrontations that highlight the nuances of friendship and appropriation.
- 🎶 Creative
- 💔 Confrontational
- 🤝 Friendship
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Lila Montagne
Played by Jacqueline Bisset
Lila is a retired actress and proprietor of the restaurant Lila's, who serves as a nurturing figure in the lives of Christian and Aaron. Her character represents wisdom and acceptance, offering empathy and a safe space for exploring love and identity in a tumultuous world.
- 🍽️ Nurturing
- 🎭 Wise
- ❤️ Supportive
Where and When Is Latter Days Set?
Latter Days is set in Los Angeles, Pocatello and Salt Lake City. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting societal attitudes towards sexuality, religion, and identity during the late 20th to early 21st century. It captures the tensions of the period where acceptance was growing, but discrimination still loomed large, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Where
Los Angeles, Pocatello, Salt Lake City
Los Angeles serves as a vibrant backdrop, known for its bustling streets, arts culture, and diversity. Pocatello, Idaho, is depicted as a quieter, more conservative town, contrasting sharply with the urban lifestyle of LA. Salt Lake City plays a pivotal role as a touchpoint in the characters' journeys, symbolizing both refuge and conflict due to its cultural significance.
- 🌆 City
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🍽️ Restaurant
What Are the Themes of Latter Days?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Rejection and Identity.
-
01
Love
At its core, the film explores the complexities of love—both romantic and platonic. It illustrates the transformative power of love, showcasing how it can lead to self-discovery and healing. The relationship between Christian and Aaron highlights the struggles they face in accepting their identities and feelings in a world that may not understand them.
-
02
Rejection
Rejection resonates deeply within the narrative, affecting Aaron both from his faith community and his family. This theme underscores the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals who do not conform to societal norms, leading to life-altering consequences.
-
03
Identity
The theme of identity is pivotal as both main characters navigate their true selves amidst societal pressures. Aaron’s journey of self-acceptance amid religious expectations and Christian’s quest for genuine connections highlight the exploration of personal identity in relation to love and faith.
What Kind of Film Is Latter Days?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A heartfelt and ultimately hopeful romantic drama that explores the emotional turbulence of forbidden love, religious conflict, and the difficult but rewarding journey toward self-acceptance.
- heartfelt
- uplifting
- emotional
- romantic
- contemplative
- dramatic
- coming out
- religious conflict
- forbidden romance
- self-discovery
Content notes: suicide attempt, conversion therapy, religious bigotry, family rejection.
Quiz
How well do you remember Latter Days? Test yourself on the story.
