Watch Children of God

Children of God is a powerful portrayal of human resilience and love set against the backdrop of extreme intolerance and prejudice in the Bahamas. The movie delves into themes of homosexuality, religion, and class divisions as it follows the intersecting lives of two men, one seeking acceptance and the other haunted by his past. The movie opens with the story of Jonny (Johnny Ferro), a young Bahamian artist who has just arrived in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. He finds himself relentlessly pursued by three local thugs who harass him because of his effeminate mannerisms. Jonny is rescued by Romeo (Stephen Tyrone Williams), a handsome and charismatic local man who takes him under his wing.

As Jonny and Romeo get to know each other, they also discover their mutual attraction, which leads to a beautiful and tender romance. However, this love is not without its challenges, as homosexuality is not only illegal in the Bahamas but also considered a sin by the local church. The church, led by the homophobic Pastor Higgs (Margaret Laurena Kemp), is influential in the community and actively preaches against homosexuality, spreading hate and intolerance towards members of the LGBTQ+ community.

As Jonny and Romeo navigate the trials of their love, Pastor Higgs' sermons take a dangerous turn, and she begins to incite violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Soon, Romeo becomes the target of a brutal attack that leaves him hospitalized and emotionally devastated. Meanwhile, Jonny is forced to flee the country and seek asylum in the United States. There, he meets a supportive community of fellow LGBTQ+ refugees who have also fled persecution in their home countries.

Despite the overwhelming obstacles they face, Jonny and Romeo refuse to give up on their love. They remain devoted to each other, sustained by the memory of their brief but beautiful romance. In the end, the movie leaves us with a poignant message about the importance of empathy and compassion for all, regardless of our differences.

The acting in the movie is incredible, with Johnny Ferro and Stephen Tyrone Williams delivering powerful and emotionally nuanced performances as the two lovers. Margaret Laurena Kemp is also outstanding as the merciless and hate-filled Pastor Higgs, perfectly embodying the destructive power of prejudice and intolerance.

The cinematography and soundtrack also deserve special mention, as they beautifully capture the vibrant and colorful essence of the Bahamas while also conveying the pain and struggle of the LGBTQ+ community. The movie's director and writer, Kareem J. Mortimer, has crafted a deeply moving and socially relevant movie that explores complex and painful issues with sensitivity and nuance.

In conclusion, Children of God is a must-see movie that tackles challenging themes with grace and heart. It is a tribute to the human spirit, a celebration of love, and a powerful call for empathy and understanding in the face of intolerance and hate.

Children of God is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.