Mysterious Ways, a Kiwi indie drama that examines the frequently fraught intersection of queerness and spirituality.From director Paul Oremland, the film takes audiences to small New Zealand town, where the well-liked, white vicar—a.k.a. reverend—Peter (The Tragedy Of Macbeth‘s Richard Short) is ready to take the next step with his Samoan boyfriend, Jason (Nick Afoa a former rugby player and musical theater performer making his film debut).Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.In their fiercely religious and majority Pacific Islander community, being gay is still seen as a taboo, though Peter’s Anglican church operates with more of an informal “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
According to Oremland, “The official church position is gay clergy are forbidden to have sexual relationships and a church marriage for gay couples is prohibited.” Suffice it to say, when the couple announces their plans to have a traditional wedding, they find themselves at the center of a media firestorm that puts their relationship—and their faith—to the test.With protestors frequently gathering outside the church, Peter works with the young, genderqueer Billy (newcomer Joe Malu Folau) to organize a drag show to push back with pride. Meanwhile, Jason, a teacher, is having a crisis of conscience, and finds himself lashing out at the ones he loves.“A film where God is on our side would have meant so much to me when I was younger,” the director says in a press statement.
“In Mysterious Ways we have a modern love story experienced by millions of people around the world yet rarely seen on our screens. And the idea that God might bless a gay union, is both subversive and hugely symbolic.
It also, on a personal level, brings me full circle in a wonderful way that I never imagined possible.”What’s also notable is the spotlight the film shines on Folau’s Billy, a character who identifies as fa’afafine. Seldom
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