The Revival

The film seeks to dive-in to the "real" reasons many small-town Americans go to church; obligation, social outlet, insecurities, and even a sense of "keeping up with the Jones'". Through the main character, a Pastor, we see his condemnation of all these superficial reasons (as opposed to "understanding God"), then learn HIS reason for being a pastor is just as shallow as the other reasons he loathes among his congregation (which he clearly detests just below the surface). Yet it is out of this same perceived obligation to these people that he has to mask his true nature, which comes flooding out when he meets a drifter. Through his interactions with this drifter, we see the choices the Pastor is forced to make, as well as the real nature of his congregation...which has always been there just below the surface. Great acting, excellent script (truly believable on both parts) and well edited. There were a couple of parts which were very predictable (almost to cliche') and although the cinematography was very professional, it could have been a bit more creative given the subject-matter. All in all, very well done and worth watching.

This movie was well done however I was hoping that the main protagonist was going to rise above the hatred he was feeling towards his own truth let alone the small minded townspeople ...but alas that was not what happened instead something horrifying.

This movie ticked off all the boxes that I made when I became an atheist. To choose your religion over love is not good. And to care what people think of you. Those people are quick to judge but they are sinning also. And Eli committed the biggest sin when he set that cabin on fire killing Daniel. His conscience will come to haunt him. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone that's planning on coming out. It scares people too quickly. Love is the most important aspect of life.

The movie was great aside from the ending. Acting was on point, and I was really interested throughout the film. The last 5 minutes leave the worst feeling in your stomach. If you hate a story that does NOT end on a happy note then stear clear.

I'm suspicious about watching gay themed movies, most of them aren't interested in telling a story, their main goal seems to be to punish people for being gay. Even if it's a "pro-gay" movie it often is filled with heartbreak, tragedy and punishment. Yes gay life has these things, as well as straight life. Life is so much more, there are incredible moments of love, happiness and reward. I'd like to see those moments.

This genre of punishment needs to come to an end. Surprisingly the acting was pretty good in this movie. You can tell some of these actors have cut their chops in community theater but they put forward a respectable performance. There was a deeper character development than is usually seen in these types of movies but there's nothing new here, it's been done before so many times. I had hope that maybe this would be something new, it would break new ground and have some hope and love but it's mostly filled with angst and hate.

For me and I'm sure for many people there is a hope for acceptance in religion for gay people. I look for the day when churches accept gay people and makes a home for them without thinking of them as sinners or as a lesser person.

This film was hugely disappointing to me and left me with a bad feeling. It didn't break any new ground. It's a sad excuse for a movie. I really think it's time for women to stop thinking they understand the relationship or feelings 1 man can have for another. I know they want to be empathetic, understanding and accepting but until you walk in my shoes you can't know my world no matter how good your imagination.