Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith

Year: 1992

Runtime: 108 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Pearce

RomanceDramaComedyFaith and religionReligious faith sin and forgiveness

Jonas Nightengale, a fraudulent Christian faith healer, tours the United States staging revival meetings where he stages “miracles” for a fee. He relies on his friend and manager, Jane, and a devoted entourage to orchestrate each spectacle, turning deception into a lucrative itinerant ministry.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Leap of Faith yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Leap of Faith (1992)

Trace every key event in Leap of Faith (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Truck break-down and plan for revival

Jonas Nightengale and his manager Jane Larson roll into Rustwater, Kansas, a drought-stricken town. With a four-day delay for replacement parts for their truck, they decide to stage revival meetings to raise money. The plan turns the show into a temporary lifeline for the town and for their own finances.

Day 1 Rustwater, Kansas
2

Revival show doubles as a con

To keep the show going, they present acts that mimic divine knowledge and healing. The crowd, hungry for relief from the drought, responds with enthusiasm and generosity. The donations swell as the illusion feeds hope.

Evening, Day 1 Rustwater tent
3

Sheriff Braverman investigates

Sheriff Will Braverman grows skeptical and starts digging into Jonas's past. He uncovers Jonas's true name, Jack Newton, and his troubled history in New York City. He shares this information with the townspeople, fueling doubt and tension.

Day 2 Rustwater
4

Braverman's report disrupts the show

Braverman's findings reach the revival crowd, and Jonas storms off the stage. He returns shortly after and reframes the report to sharpen the audience's energy, turning controversy into a fresh wave of belief. The crowd grows more energized and hopeful.

Evening, Day 2 Tent revival
5

Romance and tension grow

Over the next several days, Jane and Braverman develop feelings for each other, complicating loyalties within the revival. The show continues as Jonas navigates a mix of skepticism, attraction, and the crowd's hunger for miracles. The town remains hopeful despite the questions about Jonas's past.

Days 3-4 Rustwater
6

Marva and Boyd enter the story

Jonas meets Marva, a diner waitress, whose brother Boyd is crippled with a psychosomatic condition. The possibility of healing creates a new focal point for the revival's power and for Boyd's desire to walk again. townsfolk watch with a rising sense of stake in the outcome.

Day 4 Rustwater
7

Boyd's miracle on stage

During a meeting, Boyd walks to the feet of Jesus on the crucifix, drops his crutches, and begins to walk unassisted. The crowd erupts in awe, and Jonas's doubts begin to waver as he faces the apparent real miracle before him. The line between performance and faith blurs.

Day 4 Revival tent
8

Jonas questions the con, glimpses real faith

After the night’s spectacle, Jonas rails against being a con man, but Boyd's miracle makes him admit that something real could be happening. The event forces him to reconsider the source of the crowd’s faith. The man who ran the show must now confront what faith truly means.

Evening, Day 4 Backstage
9

Boyd asks to join the road

Boyd asks Jonas to join him on the road, signaling a potential new path for both of them. Jonas agrees to meet Boyd the next morning, suggesting a turning point in his ministry. Marva then arrives, thanks Jonas, and sends Boyd out of the tent with a message for the next day.

Next morning Rustwater tent
10

Jonas leaves Rustwater

Jonas packs a bag and departs alone in the dark, hitching a ride with a truck driver bound for Pensacola, Florida. He tells the driver that, for the first time in his life, he is not in trouble. A crowd outside the tent prays and nods in quiet belief, a testament to Boyd's impact.

Night Rustwater
11

Drought ends with a miraculous rain

The drought threatening Rustwater's crops ends dramatically with a miraculous downpour. Jonas laughs as he realizes that Boyd's faith—and the belief that sustained it—may be real after all. He rides off into the stormy evening, thanking Jesus for the rain.

Later that night Rustwater
12

Final image: a changed man on the road

The film closes with Jonas continuing his journey, no longer certain only of tricks but carrying a new sense that real faith may exist beyond the show. He travels on, leaving Rustwater behind and facing the road with a wary, hopeful heart. The ending suggests miracles come with costs and choices.

Ending On the road

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:23

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Leap of Faith

Don't stop at just watching — explore Leap of Faith in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Leap of Faith is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Leap of Faith Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Leap of Faith, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Leap of Faith Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Leap of Faith

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Leap of Faith. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Leap of Faith

More About Leap of Faith

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Leap of Faith: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Leap of Faith

Similar Movies to Leap of Faith

Discover movies like Leap of Faith that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.