Before the Fall” is a gay re-imagining of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” In this inverted version of the classic story, Elizabeth Bennet, now reimagined as the male character Ben Bennett (Ethan Sharrett), is a dashing attorney at the top of the genteel social set in southern Virginia. This placid existence is turned upside down when the rough-hewn Lee Darcy (Chase Conner) comes to town. Lee is a brooding, beaten-down welder with a secret he tries to drink away. After an altercation with his girlfriend, Lee is wrongfully charged with domestic abuse. Ben inadvertently insults Lee at the courthouse and the two men form a strong dislike for each other. This awkward situation is made worse when the two are repeatedly forced to encounter one another in their close-knit town. As the friends around them struggle through romantic misunderstandings, Ben discovers that he has a secret of his own – he has fallen in love with Lee.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW

Even for those unfamiliar with “Pride and Prejudice”, this film stands on its own for touching on a variety of topics, from relationships and infidelity to unrequited love and childhood sufferings. While Ben and Lee play central roles, there are several other characters that make this film a worthy watch. Lee’s buddy Chuck grows attracted to Ben’s friend Jane, and the two become an item until Ben interferes telling Jane someone like Chuck is not worthy enough to be with. She breaks the relationship, but when Lee finds out what happened, he goes back to Ben in a rage of furry, to which Ben realizes that it’s none of his business to get involved. Lee’s girlfriend Cathy gives a strong performance as the one who wants to believe Lee will get over his drinking, and also for her homophobic attitude. The two “gay guys” give the most comedic aspect to the film with their over the top campiness. In the end, the story is about Ben and Lee, Ben the “other gay guy” that’s less flamboyant and unsure of what he wants, and the troubled Lee, whose relationship with Cathy is uncertain at best. They become mates from a distance due to their relationship within the courtroom, which soon leads to a bit of hanging out and hiking, until the day Ben opens up about his love for Lee. What happens next, you’ll have to watch it.

Available online to rent or purchase via iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and Vudu.

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.