DO NOT MAKE UGLY SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Reverend Petter Simmons  is  an Anglican Vicar advocating for change  at St. John´s Church in a small town in New Zealand . He is a widower, has a teenage daughter but is now in love with Samoan Jason, who served 8 years in prison and is the actual coach of the local rugby team.

Jason (Nick Afoa) and Peter (Richard Short) are a very nice couple, they have a genuine bond and take care of each other, they look forward having a Church wedding, otherwise they consider themselves as second class Christians. They have the support of their relatives and queer community, but they also generate unrest in this conservative society and are challenging Anglican traditions.

Through radio transmissions Peter spreads his message of love and equality and this makes waves.  Very soon he becomes a celebrity as the Gay Vicar who defies Church,  who is making headlines, provoking a media storm  and vicious talk. 

The microcosmos Peter and Jonas have built soon begins to crumble due to homophobia and nasty remarks such as ‘gays go to hell’ , ‘faggots are abominable sinners’, and other verbal aggressions. 

Needless to say this turmoil affects Peter and Jason’s relationship up to the point to  no communication after Peter, under presure, takes a decision and makes a statement without talking to Jason previously.

Out from nowhere free spirit Billy,  Jason´s gender fluid nephew from Australia arrives and adds to the whole sense, flavor and color.

Mysterious Ways manage miraculously  where a little prayer makes the world more fair,  where love and respect take the place of double-dealing and unkindness.

This fictional  indie drama raises questions on acceptance, equality, diversity, homophobia, changes in church, sense of community, manipulation,  meanness, spirituality and healing.

Directed by Paul Oremland , with Joe Malu Folau as Billy. Richard Short and Nick Afoa  who have a very good on screen chemistry, and their empathy is deeply moving.    

Now streaming on most major VOD platforms 

 

Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.