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.

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.

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.

I saw this at Inside/Out the Toronto LGBT festival. Everyone was blown away by the acting and directing. This movie broke my heart and made me think. Ultimately it is about oppression in religious communities in the southern US. With the current US President and VP this movie needs to be seen immediately. It takes a stand against bigotry and hypocrisy. Watch this movie for yourself and decide what it's about.

This movie focuses upon people who abandon their humanity for the sake of their religion, and how hurtful and cruel they can become under the influence of their religious beliefs. As another reviewer mentioned, it's an indictment against religion, not against homosexuality. The most moral person in the movie is the homeless, homosexual drifter.