Local LDS movies are not made for everyone. They are a specific niche that is tailored to entertain and inspire members of the LDS faith. However, the newest movie to fall into this genre, “The Errand of Angels,” has several qualities that may help it appeal to a broader audience.

The cinematography of “The Errand of Angels” is breathtaking. Director of photography Brian Wilcox uses the beautiful landscapes of Austria to make the movie more visually appealing. This doesn’t deter from the plot or characters, but gives the film a more universal feel.

This is an LDS movie with a message, but it’s also probably one of the better stories in the genre. The plot is based on the missionary work of Heidi Johnson. The screenplay is by Christian Vuissa, who also serves as the director and is the organizer of the LDS Film Festival.

Johnson’s story as a female missionary deserves to be told. Too often it’s the male missionaries who are the only ones lauded for their work in the field. This is an interesting look from a female’s perspective.

Unlike other LDS films, there isn’t any overacting from Erin Chambers and Rachel Emmers, who play the two lead roles. In movies such as “Baptists at Our Barbecue” or “The Singles Ward” it’s obvious that the actors are trying way too hard to get into their characters. From an outside view, this is appreciated because it shows that they aren’t attempting to convert anyone through the movie, but rather to give some insight into what missionaries go through.

In “The Errand of Angels,” Sister Taylor (Chambers) is called to serve in the Austria, Vienna, mission for the LDS Church. Told through a scrapbook-like journal of her experiences on her mission, she begins her work as a missionary with Sister Felder (Katrin Mayer). Sister Felder teaches Sister Taylor about what it’s like to be a missionary: praying and studying together, jogging every morning and eating everything that’s provided for them. The last task turns out to be harder than Sister Taylor imagined.

Sister Taylor is then sent to work with Sister Keller (Bettina Schwarz) who seems quite cantankerous. The pair don’t hit it off well since Sister Keller is nothing like Sister Felder. Sister Keller insists that Sister Taylor speak German even though she still struggles with the language. When Sister Taylor is called to work for a week with Sister Young (Emmers) she’s more than thrilled. There she gains back the passion she lost while working with Sister Keller. However, Sister Young convinces Sister Taylor that Sister Keller isn’t nearly as bad as she thinks and needs to look at the situation from a different perspective.

Upon her return to working with Sister Keller, Sister Taylor realizes what Sister Young said was true and the duo begin working better together and talking to more people about what they do and their beliefs. However, Sister Taylor still questions her beliefs because no one is willing to be baptized, even though several people have shown interest in what they’re saying. Then Sister Taylor is sent back to Sister Young where they work even harder to spread their message. Some weeks it pays off, others it doesn’t. But, by the end of her 18-month mission, Sister Taylor finally understands what it means to be a missionary in her own eyes.

“The Errand of Angels” isn’t just another LDS-made movie. It’s a film that should inspire people to explore their own faith. Many people outside of the LDS Church probably won’t see it. That’s a shame, especially because of the gorgeous cinematography. I find “The Errand of Angels” a refreshing take on a typical LDS genre.

Missy Thompson: missy@tooeletranscript.com