Fair Haven (2016)

Fair Haven (2016) is an emotional drama that explores themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance. Directed by Kerstin Karlhuber, the film follows James Grant (Michael Grant), a young man who returns home to his conservative rural town after spending time in a conversion therapy program. Struggling with his identity, James faces pressure from his strict father, Richard (Tom Wopat), who hopes his son has been "cured" and can now lead a "normal" life. However, James finds himself torn between his father’s expectations and his own feelings when he reconnects with his former love, Charlie (Josh Green).

As James settles back into life on the family farm, he struggles to suppress his true feelings. His father, a widower, wants him to focus on their struggling apple orchard and move on from his past. Richard believes that with enough hard work and faith, his son can stay on the "right path." However, James’ heart tells a different story as he begins to rekindle his deep bond with Charlie, the boy he once loved but was forced to leave behind.

Throughout the film, James grapples with guilt and confusion, feeling trapped between his father’s rigid beliefs and his own desires. He tries to convince himself that he can live the life his father wants, even dating a young woman named Suzy (Lily Anne Harrison) in an attempt to prove that he has changed. But as his feelings for Charlie resurface, the emotional weight of denying his true self becomes unbearable.

Charlie, still deeply hurt by James’ sudden departure, is hesitant to trust him again. But despite the pain, the connection between them is undeniable. Their stolen moments together are filled with longing, nostalgia, and the hope of reclaiming the love they once shared. As their relationship grows stronger, James begins to question everything he was taught and wonders if he can truly suppress his feelings forever.

The cinematography of Fair Haven beautifully captures the quiet loneliness of the small-town setting. The vast open fields, the stillness of the countryside, and the isolation of the Grant family farm all serve as metaphors for James’ internal struggle. The film’s soft, melancholic score further enhances the emotional depth, pulling the audience into James’ journey of self-discovery.

Michael Grant delivers a heartfelt performance as James, portraying his internal conflict with subtlety and raw emotion. Tom Wopat, as Richard, gives a compelling performance as a father who, while strict and controlling, is also deeply vulnerable and afraid of losing his son. Josh Green brings warmth and sincerity to Charlie, making it easy for the audience to root for him and James to find their way back to each other.

At its core, Fair Haven is a film about the power of love and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. It highlights the pain of rejection, the struggle for acceptance, and the importance of finding one’s own path in life, even in the face of opposition. The film does not offer easy answers but instead presents a realistic portrayal of the emotional turmoil that many LGBTQ+ individuals experience.

In the end, Fair Haven is a touching and thought-provoking film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt pressured to deny their true identity. With its poignant storytelling, heartfelt performances, and moving message, it is a film that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.