Virgin Tales Much in Mirjam von Arx’s Virgin Tales could leave even the most devout believer scratching their head. The film introduces us to the Wilson family, a nine-member brood headed up by Randy and Lisa Wilson in Colorado Springs, Colo. Their lives are comprised of rites and rituals unknown outside of the evangelical community, one that includes purity balls—virginal dance recitals and proms where young women pledge their chastity—and manhood ceremonies involving medieval swords and respectful speeches. The Wilsons are shown to be a family in flux and under siege. Marriages, deployments and the perils of singledom linger in the foreground while patriarch Randy passionately organizes against the encroachment of secular values into American life. Purity balls are a powerful symbol meant to combat the looming threat, proving that these young women are “not disposable to the whims of culture.” But the film quickly loses focus, oscillating between mundane family drama and clunky detours into the culture wars. Von Arx’s treatment of the Wilsons is anthropological at best and condescending at worst, with heavy-handed music and cynical questions signaling her disapproval. Most frustrating is that the purity balls—the foundation on which the documentary is hinged— become afterthoughts. —Matt Siblo Screens Tuesday, June 19 at 12:15 p.m. and Wednesday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m.. Both showings at the Discovery HD Theater.