Return to Me

Bob Rueland and his wife Elizabeth share a deep bond, rooted in love and passion for their work. Elizabeth, an animal psychologist, dedicates 16 years caring for a gorilla at the Chicago zoo, which Bob is actively improving with a new enclosure.

Their lives are shattered when Elizabeth suffers a fatal injury after a glamorous gala event. Bob is devastated as he watches his beloved wife fight for her life in the hospital, ultimately succumbing to her injuries.

Following her death, Elizabeth donates her heart, which is transplanted into a young orphan named Grace Briggs. This act of love connects their fates in an unanticipated manner as Grace was desperately in need of a new heart due to her health issues.

Grace recovers from her surgery, feeling an inexplicable bond with Bob, who is struggling with his grief over Elizabeth's passing. As she heals, Grace finds comfort in painting and gardening, creating a new life for herself.

Grace sends a heartfelt letter to Elizabeth's family, expressing her gratitude for the gift of life. During this time, she experiences meaningful moments, including joyous visits to the zoo with her friend Megan, where she feels the gorilla's surprising recognition.

As months go by, Bob's friends urge him to move forward and reconnect with the world. They set him up on a date with a woman named Charlie, leading to an unexpected meeting between him and Grace.

During his blind date with Grace, Bob initially feels out of place as emotions overwhelm him. However, he gradually develops feelings for her, drawn by her warmth and the connection they both share, unbeknownst to them.

The transition from grief to attraction is complicated by Grace's secret about her heart transplant. As their relationship grows, Grace struggles with revealing her past while pursuing her budding feelings for Bob.

Conflicted about her feelings and the secret she carries, Grace decides to flee to Italy to follow her passion for painting. In Italy, she finds inspiration elusive as she grapples with her thoughts about Bob.

In a twist of fate, Grace and Bob's paths cross again in a lively Italian street, symbolized by her vibrant red bicycle. This unexpected encounter reignites their feelings, reminding them of their profound connection.

Back in the States, Bob dedicates himself to the grand opening of the new gorilla enclosure, a project deeply tied to Elizabeth's legacy. As he prepares for the event, he starts to feel the stirrings of love once again in his heart.

The intertwined stories of Bob and Grace find a beautiful culmination during celebrations at O'Reilly's restaurant. As Grace and Bob's love story unfolds, a joyful wedding marks the emergence of new hope amidst their shared past.

The narratives of love and loss converge as characters learn from their experiences. The film culminates in a heartfelt reflection on second chances, showing how life’s tragedies can lead to unexpected and beautiful new beginnings.