In a secluded forest, a well-meaning pastor, determined to “save” a troubled young gay teen named Jamie, invites him to a remote cabin under the guise of a weekend retreat. Pastor Tom believes in the power of conversion therapy, convinced that he can change Jamie’s sexual orientation and guide him toward what he perceives as a more righteous path. Unbeknownst to Tom, the cabin holds dark secrets—it’s a place where his previous attempts at conversion have ended in tragedy.
As they arrive, Jamie is filled with a mix of hope and anxiety, uncertain about the pastor’s intentions. Tom, fueled by his rigid beliefs and the desire to help Jamie, begins the session with fervent prayers and discussions about faith. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts when strange occurrences begin to unfold. Jamie starts to experience unsettling visions and hear whispers, sensing the presence of those who suffered before him.
As the night deepens, the cabin reveals its haunting history. The ghosts of the pastor’s previous victims emerge, each carrying their own stories of pain and torment. They confront Tom, forcing him to reckon with the consequences of his actions. The spirits, trapped between worlds, plead with Jamie to break free from Tom’s grasp and resist the coercive tactics of conversion therapy.
Jamie, initially frightened, begins to find strength in the voices of the spirits, who share their experiences and encourage him to embrace his true self. They remind him that love and acceptance are far more powerful than shame and fear. As the pastor’s grip on Jamie weakens, the young teen starts to realize that he deserves to be loved for who he is, not who Tom wants him to be.
As the tension escalates, Tom’s faith is put to the test. The spirits intensify their efforts to reveal the truth, forcing him to confront the cruelty hidden beneath his intentions. He becomes increasingly unhinged as he grapples with guilt, anger, and the realization that his methods have caused irreparable harm.
In a climactic confrontation, Jamie, empowered by the spirits, stands up to Tom. He declares his right to love and be loved authentically, rejecting the pastor’s outdated beliefs. The spirits, united in their message of acceptance, help Jamie break free from the pastor’s influence.
As dawn breaks, the cabin transforms. The spirits, finally able to find peace, fade away, leaving behind a powerful message of hope and resilience. Jamie steps into the sunlight, liberated from the chains of conversion therapy. He realizes that his journey towards self-acceptance has just begun, but he is no longer alone.
Echoes of the Past is a haunting tale of redemption and the fight for identity, reminding us that love is the ultimate healing force. It challenges the darkness of conversion therapy while celebrating the strength found in embracing one’s true self.