I’d say “The Errand of Angels” is of a higher quality than “The Best Two Years,” which, while one of the better theatrical Mormon movies, really, really suffered in my opinion from its low budget and its distracting shift in tone (from realistic drama to slapstick comedy buffoonery).

I disagree with you when you suggest that Sister Taylor doesn’t change. I think that’s what makes this a much better film than Vuissa’s follow-up, “One Good Man.” Where “The Errand of Angels” has much, much less conflict, it follows a solid (if small) narrative arc in which the protagonist learns and grows as a person, learning to love others as the Savior would (the voice-over narration at times spells out the message in enormous billboard-size letters, but otherwise it’s conveyed quite nicely and subtly). Meanwhile, “One Good Man” is a film about a guy who has a million things thrown in his way, and essentially has no trouble dealing with any of them; they stress him out and keep him busy, but I don’t see any growth or progression in the character, despite Tim Threlfall’s terrific performance.

For me, both films fall short of Dutcher’s three (four, if you count “Falling”) exceptional Mormon films (the redemption in “States of Grace” apparently felt like a “ploy” for some; for me it’s one of the most honest testimonies I’ve ever experienced, through any of the arts or otherwise). However, I think “The Errand of Angels” is a solid entry in the second tier of Mormon theatrical cinema–not great or life-changing, but a very lovely, very solid, very worthwhile film with some beautiful moments. It’s sad that there aren’t more movies like that in the recent crop of LDS cinema, but we should definitely be excited by those that do exist, and hope for more to come.

Though I agree with some of your analysis, I have to add that I felt the movie added something the others did not – the feeling of being a Sister Missionary. I left this movie edified, which was something Dutcher’s film did not lend the audience, even after the incredibly long ploy toward redemption at the end of States of Grace. Gideon said he didn’t think it had enough conflict, or that only companion conflict was not not enough for character development. I would have to disagree. Sister’s do not go with the testimony struglles that some (few these days) go with. They go with a strong testimony wanting to share the gospel. Most often the greatest opposition they experience is either companion difficulties or convert disappoinment. This film portrayed those perfectly.

I loved that the gospel doesn’t have to be weighed down in the mire of disturbing issues to have struggle and growth.

Christian did a great job, and I honor him for the extreme time and effort he put forth to make such a beautiful film.

Patricia: _Errand of Angels_ and _The Best Two Years_, as I remember them, are actually quite similar in tone and quality. They both show some of the more aggravating sides of mission life, both have characters who change their perspective about things because of companions they end up with, and both have a colorful milieu of investigators and cultural experiences.

brandt: I think that there have been some very nice stories told of the mission experience. It’s one of those aspects of Mormon culture that is a goldmine for good storytelling. I too like what Dutcher did with the mission story and hope to see some richer, more complex portrayals of mission life in the future. Have you ever read _Angel of the Danube_ by Alan Rex Mitchell?

Th: The protagonist is very attractive, it’s true. Large blue eyes and luxurious coppery curls. She also dresses more stylishly than any sister missionary I’ve ever seen, and I actually found it distracting. Are sister missionaries really allowed to wear orange tights?

annegb: Haha. I personally like that song, but I agree that it tends to get oversung.

Sally: Thanks for chiming in to give your reaction. I haven’t served a mission, but I’ve also heard other sister missionaries who said the film was “realistic of mission life” as you say. I’d like very much to hear specifics if you have time.

I haven’t seen it, but I have seen the lead in some live productions, and she’s great. And cute as a button. The promotional images don’t do her justice.

While I didn’t know about circumstances for filming (15 days, 10 crew members, shoestring budget), I must say the one thing that drew me away from this (and many missionary films) is the overusage (and almost reliance) on kitschy querks. The meals, the language, etc.

That’s where I praise Richard Dutcher. He was willing to use a mission as a backdrop for a story. I’m hoping that this film does open the horizon of sister-missionary based films, but I also hope that more films don’t rely on a mission, but use it as background for a larger story…