Watch The Gospel Of Eureka

The Gospel of Eureka is a unique and thought-provoking documentary that explores the intersection of religion and LGBTQ issues in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Directed by Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher, the film follows the lives of local performers and Christian activists as they navigate their personal beliefs and the political climate of their community.

The main focus of the documentary is on the Great Passion Play, an annual theatrical production based on the life of Jesus Christ that has been held in Eureka Springs for over 50 years. The play attracts thousands of visitors to the town each year, many of whom are conservative Christians. However, as the film shows, the town also has a thriving queer and artistic community, which sometimes clashes with the more traditional values of the Passion Play audience.

The film introduces us to several local performers, including Mx Justin Vivian Bond, a genderqueer cabaret star, and Jason and Shelly, a married couple who own a drag show club. Through their performances and personal stories, we see how they both celebrate and challenge traditional concepts of gender and sexuality. The filmmakers also interview several Christian activists, including controversial figure Anita Bryant, who share their opinions on LGBTQ issues and their place in the church.

One of the most striking elements of the film is the way it juxtaposes the themes of the Passion Play with those of the local queer community. For example, we see footage of actors portraying Jesus and his followers, complete with Biblical costumes and dramatic lighting, interspersed with shots of Mx Bond performing in a glittery dress and high heels. This contrast is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the wide range of beliefs and experiences that coexist in the town.

Another notable aspect of the film is its exploration of the political climate in Eureka Springs. In 2015, the town passed an anti-discrimination ordinance that protected LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This led to a backlash from conservative groups, who mounted a campaign to overturn the ordinance. The filmmakers show how this issue divided the town and brought to the forefront the tension between the town's different factions.

Overall, The Gospel of Eureka is a fascinating and engaging documentary that explores complex issues of religion, sexuality, and politics in a small Southern town. The film is beautifully shot and edited, with a score that incorporates both gospel and pop music. Through the diverse voices of its subjects, the film offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a community in flux. Whether you are interested in LGBTQ issues, religious studies, or just enjoy a good documentary, The Gospel of Eureka is well worth watching.

The Gospel Of Eureka is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 66.