Save Me

Staff Writer: Laurel Bentley

Director Robert Grey’s film “Save Me” provides an intimate look at the church driven phenomenon of “reassigning” the sexual preference of homosexuals. Although the idea of converting gays to the “straight-and-narrow” through prayer and religious conditioning is nothing new, it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years as gay rights continue to move forward.  Filmed in New Mexico, “Save Me” is an honest, humanistic look at the conflicts between the hardships faced by homosexuals and the religious sect’s unwavering opinion homosexuality is a choice or a sickness. The film, introduces Chad Allen’s character, Mark, as a gay man with an addiction to drugs and sex that is slowly destroying his life. His brother takes him to Genesis Rehabilitation Camp where Gayle and Ted (Judith Light and Stephen Lang) run a program to help “heal” gay men of their sexual deviancy. Founded on good intentions, but run my closed-minded people, the Genesis Program provides gay men who have faced difficult and discriminated lives with a safe and loving community. Gayle and Ted take Mark in and he quickly becomes a part of the group, befriending fellow housemate Scott, played by Robert Grant.
 

The movie follows all of the housemates’ struggles  to fit into society and feel loved. Mark appears to bring life to the house, and progresses quickly along the twelve-step program in Genesis house, becoming a favorite of Gayle and admired by his fellow housemates. Yet, as Mark and Scott become closer and their friendship takes off to another level, their relationship not only sparks confusion and questioning within the Genesis community but a beacon of hope that confirms for the men that love is possible. Each character is put at odds with the religious view of what is right and the need for acceptance and understanding. “Save Me” creates a powerful, moving experience for the viewer; the struggle Gayle faces as she fights with her own sorrow, judgment, and love for what she believes is right plays beautifully along side the sense of belonging the men desire so desperately.

When Scott leaves Genesis House and Mark is left to decide what he feels is true—a “normal” place in society or the one he loves—one can sense the heartache of each character as the Genesis House begins to unravel and all are forced to re-examine what they truly believe. Whether gay, straight, religious, or otherwise, this movie provides a perspective for all sides that does its best to be considerate of all views without being stereotypical. Many can relate to the issues of loss, confusion, and love portrayed in this film, previously playing at Landmark Theatres and now playing all this week at Lumiere Theatre 1572 California St. Artfully done, emotionally charged, and fundamentally human, “Save Me” expresses everyone’s basic desire to love and be loved, no matter what sexuality.