Cure for Love
I had the opportunity to watch a 2008 documentary called, Cure for Love. It was such an interesting film, hence why I’m posting about it here. The synopsis reads, “Cure for Love is a full-length documentary about a controversial evangelical movement that purports to convert gay people into heterosexuals. The film brings us inside this unusual Christian subculture and follows the lives of several young people whose homosexuality is at odds with their religious beliefs.”
Of course, I wasn’t surprised that the types of ministries featured in this doc actually existed – and let’s be clear, I am clearly at odds with the mission of these ministries, particularly those such as Exodus. For me, the most intriguing part of the film was hearing the stories of those who live in tension with their faiths and how they have come to reconcile that dissonance. These are powerful stories of people seemingly struggling with similar issues, yet each has taken a different path in finding a resolution to their conflict.
As a voyeur into their lives, I found myself at times doubtful that some of the folks featured in the film actually had found a way to make peace with the tension between their faith and their sexuality; however I am mindful that I don’t live their lives and really can’t relate to their struggle – seeing as how I am neither a Christian nor a homosexual. This film did reinforce, yet again, the powerful influence that religion has over people’s lives (a concept I cannot personally relate too – but one that fascinates me).
If you, like me, are intrigued by the power faith has in the lives of so many people, then this film is worth checking out. It’s a well-balanced documentary that does shed some light on (IMO) questionable dogma, but even more than that, it is a film that speaks of the power of love. For some that is the love of their Saviour, Jesus Christ; for others that is the love they find in their same sex partners.
Run time: 59 mins
Source: National Film Board of Canada