A young man confronts his past in this tense LGBTQ+ film that brings in a shocking finale.
Carl is a reporter for the Watts Chronicle newspaper who is doing a piece on black veterans. He is invited to the home of vet Vernon, who at first seems to seem be all into the interview. However, as Vernon tells his life story, Carl doesn’t take any notes and there is something more to the reporter than it seems. When Carl finally has had enough of Vernon’s story, he ties him up and brandishes a gun.
Carl is revealed to be Vernon’s former stepson and he is a gay man who has been waiting to confront Vernon about an incident that happened when Carl was a teen. Vernon had assaulted Carl and does everything possible to avoid the issue when Carl confronts him about it. Along the way, Carl reveals what has happened since the incident and even along the way, Vernon reveals something shocking that even Carl wasn’t expecting. What happens next is shocking.
There is a bit of a reason why I put that last line in and it is because two of the actors in the film are known for their work in YouTuber Dhar Mann’s videos about life lessons. While they all appear in flashbacks, the film is mainly a two-person film that involves Carl, played by Jensen Atwood, and his estranged stepfather Vernon, played by Ernest Harden Jr. The chemistry between the two actors, from tense to spur of the moments re-bonding (as it seems) works pretty well for the most part. There are a few moments when things get a bit overdone.
The flashbacks reveal quite a lot in terms of the story and not having to rely on anything gratuitous. With Dhar Mann actor Melvin Ward playing a younger version of Vernon, it becomes pretty aware that there are a few scenes where we see young Carl, played by Carter Young, being assaulted or abused by Vernon. The third act reveals something extremely shocking about Carl. Now, it must be noted that this film is set in the mid-1980s, so one can be made aware of the possible revelation involving Carl. As for Vernon, he even offers a glimpse into a situation that we would never expect and this leads to a very shocking conclusion that even I wasn’t expecting.
Velvet Jesus is a really good LGBTQ+ film that offers a tense confrontation filled with flashbacks that offer revelations about our two main characters. At times, a bit over the top, but overall good with the shocking final twist unexpected.
WFG RATING: B+
Breaking Glass Pictures presents a 9th Step Productions film in association with B.L.A.C. Mail Productions and VIM Media. Directors: Anthony Bawn and Spencer M. Collins IV. Producers: Danielle S. Mooney and BJeannine Fisher. Writer: Charles McWells; based on his play. Cinematography: Briana Monet and Mayco Castillo. Editing: Anthony Bawn.
Cast: Ernest Harden Jr., Jensen Atwood, Melvin Ward, Carter Young, Frankie Blair, Anthony Treme.
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