THE STAGE 32 LOGLINES

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LEAD US NOT (FEATURE GAY FILM)

LEAD US NOT (FEATURE GAY FILM)
By Bryan Blasingame

GENRE: Drama
LOGLINE:

Confused by the unexpected arrival of his high school boyfriend, a married divinity student who has been living a lie questions his marriage to his berating wife and chooses to be honest with himself.

SYNOPSIS:

Robert Miller is a kind-hearted, selfless man in his late 20’s to early 30’s. He’s

always had an affinity as a public servant, trying to fulfill the desire to be helpful to the

world. He’s married to Alice Miller, determined and cunning, craving attention and

validation while desperately (and effectively) covering up her not-so-perfect past. Upon

Alice’s suggestion, we meet Robert while he is working towards getting his Masters in

Divinity in hopes to become the next local pastor at their church. Wanting to do some

good in the world, he pushes on, but something feels like it’s been missing for years. A

once passionate photographer, Robert finds himself at a crossroads as he continues his

studies, perhaps not fully wanting to envelop the life that has been suggested for him by

his wife. This only becomes further complicated by the arrival of their weekend guests,

Alice’s childhood friend, Rachel, along with her “husband,” Sean.

From the moment they arrive, Robert recognizes Sean as his ex-lover from

several years ago, which sends him into a flurry of self-exploration. Push comes to

shove, and after enduring the world’s most awkward dinner, Robert and Sean have a

confrontation, discussing why Sean has turned up out of the blue. Unbeknownst to

Sean—and honestly, even Robert—this is exactly the change Robert has been waiting

for to breathe life back into him.

Meanwhile, Rachel is realizing that her long-time friend, Alice, isn’t who she used

to be anymore. Observing the Christian-doused décor and overly pretentious attitude

that Alice now displays, Rachel is disturbed and almost disgusted at the new behavior,

knowing well that it’s all a façade to cover Alice’s past. Alice, who has become a master

of manipulation, knows that Rachel has a keen eye, and takes extra care to uphold her

porcelain wall, keeping every hair in place. This conflict reaches a breaking point as the

weekend progresses, and the two have a fight regarding the coverup.

As secrets begin to come to light, Robert understands that his situation is not

only undesirable now, but entrapping, confining, and stressful. Not only has his

marriage been built on lies, but the toxicity of it is choking him, realizing that several of

his choices in the marriage haven’t even been his own. Sean reassures him that there’s

light and love inside of him that’s dying to break free, and all Robert has to do is find his

own truth, whatever that may be. Robert’s heart bursts open again, falling back in love

with Sean, and ultimately confronting Alice about everything that’s transpired. He leaves

her for a better life, a happier life, where he can truly feel fulfilled by helping people in a

way that’s far more effective.

By the end, Robert and Sean begin a new life together, Rachel returns home,

and Alice, plagued with her own demons, finally takes the steps to recovery to begin a

new, much healthier life.

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