Robert Cary’s “Save Me,” which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, will open in New York September 5 and in Los Angeles September 19, followed by a national roll-out.
The story centers on Mark, a young gay man who is addicted to sex and drugs. After a particularly nasty binge his brother checks him into Genesis House, a Christian retreat in New Mexico miles from anywhere. Run by a compassionate husband and wife team, Gayle and Ted have made it their life’s mission to cure young men of their ‘gay affliction’ through spiritual guidance.
At first, Mark resists, but soon takes the message to heart and begins to bond with his fellow residents, in particular Scott, a mentor charged with guiding Mark through his conversion. As their friendship evolves into romance, Mark and Scott are forced to confront their true selves, while Gayle and Ted find the values they hold as absolute truths to be threatened.
Subtly nuanced, “Save Me” offers a sympathetic look at both sides of one of the most polarizing religious and sexual debates in America. The film contains restrained performances by Chad Allen (Mark), Judith Light (Gayle), Robert Gant (Scott) and Stephen Lang (Ted).
Like the recent documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So,” the film tries to offer a clear understanding of individuals caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
“Save Me” is directed by Robert Cary, who previously helmed “Ira and Abby” and cowrote and directed “Anything but Love.”
The film also served as the Opening Night Film at the 2008 OutFest Los Angeles.
Running Time: 96 minutes
MPAA Rating: Unrated
