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Places of Worship

Places of Worship (2024)

Apr 14, 2024 13m Drama Comedy

Steph, a sixteen year old altar server, dutifully puts away the collection money after mass. But when a fellow altar server tries to pocket some of the money, Steph attempts to stop her. What starts as an innocent attempt to prevent thievery looks an awful lot like something else to the priest who interrupts them...Suddenly Steph is followed by symbols of the Virgin Mary, a warning around her sexual desires. Steph must navigate the intimidation of her fellow altar server, a crush on her movie theater coworker, and her own feelings around the comfort of her queer identity.

Directed by Bridget Frances Harris

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Bridget Frances Harris
Writer
  • Bridget Frances Harris
Producer
  • Katelyn Henslin

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Places of Worship examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Bridget Frances Harris brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Places of Worship took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 13 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 51 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 185 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2024, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Places of Worship shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Billy Elliot, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Places of Worship subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Dirty Dancing and Beverly Hills Cop explore similar territory, Places of Worship stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 14, 2024
  • Runtime: 13m

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