The R.M.

The R.M.

Year: 2003

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Kurt Hale

FamilyCrimeComedy

After two years as a full‑time LDS missionary, Jared Phelps returns expecting blessings, a supportive girlfriend, his old job, and admission to BYU. Instead, his girlfriend leaves him, he loses his job and is rejected by the university, forcing him to confront whether doing the right thing is worth the mounting hardships.

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Timeline & Setting – The R.M. (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The R.M. (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Wyoming Mission, Phelps Family Home, Jewelry Store, Airport, Church

The story unfolds across several key locations that ground Jared's transition from mission life to civilian life. The Wyoming mission serves as the spiritual setting that frames his past decisions, while the Phelps family home becomes the center of upheaval and change. Distinct scenes move from a crowded airport send-off to intimate moments in a jewelry shop and a busy church environment, tying personal drama to community spaces.

🗺️ Wyoming Mission 🏠 Family Home 💎 Jewelry Store ✈️ Airport ⛪ Church

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

Main Characters – The R.M. (2003)

Meet the key characters of The R.M. (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jared Phelps

A returned missionary whose world is upended on his homecoming: the family has moved, a Tongan exchange student occupies the house, and a promising job evaporates. He grapples with identity, romance, and the temptation to cut corners as he tries to restart his life. Through honesty and persistence, he redefines his future and becomes engaged to Kelly.

🎯 Determination 🧭 Identity 🤝 Integrity

Kelly Powers (Britani Bateman)

Daughter of Elder Powers, she becomes Jared's anchor and the focal point of his reintegration. She promises to wait for him but faces her own life changes, including a pending marriage to someone else before their relationship deepens again. The couple ultimately exchanges rings and becomes engaged.

💞 Love 🤝 Relationship 🕊️ Faith

Elder H. Ronald Powers (Richard R. Dayhuff)

A general authority whose presence looms large in church life, influencing expectations and Jared's sense of duty. He embodies leadership within the community and adds gravity to the personal and family tests the protagonist faces.

🏛️ Church 🧭 Leadership 👨‍👦 Family

Grandma Phelps (Marlene Arnold)

A warm, stabilizing figure in the extended family who offers support and perspective during the upheaval of the homecoming. Her presence emphasizes continuity, memory, and the value of intergenerational bonds.

👵 Grandmother 💖 Family Wisdom 🗺️ Community

Sister Porterhouse (Michael Birkeland)

A church member and community figure who threads through the film's depiction of church life and support networks. She represents the everyday roles people play in sustaining faith communities during personal upheaval.

🙏 Church 🤝 Community

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

Major Themes – The R.M. (2003)

Explore the central themes of The R.M. (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🙏 Faith

Faith guides Jared through the upheaval of homecoming, reminding him of his commitments and shaping his choices. The film places religious life at the center of family and community expectations, testing and refining his beliefs. Through trials and honesty, faith becomes a compass for personal growth rather than a simple backdrop.

🏠 Family

Family relationships anchor the narrative as a transformed household greets Jared: a pregnant mother, a future baby, and a girlfriend who moves on. The story explores belonging, obligation, and reconciliation within a tight-knit community. Family dynamics drive much of the emotional arc and the healing that follows.

🕊️ Honesty

Honesty tests Jared during a legal scrape sparked by a friend's action, forcing him to choose truth over convenience. He ultimately accepts consequences for himself and refuses to shield his friend, highlighting integrity as a core value. The resolution hinges on candid choices rather than easy deflection.

🔄 Change

The film traces a sharp reentry into life after mission service, with plans overturned and new opportunities appearing. Jared's path moves from disappointment to growth as he rethinks education and career, ultimately rejoining life with renewed purpose. The narrative emphasizes adaptation, resilience, and the possibility of a second chance.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

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Movies about awkward reinvention like The R.M.

Gentle comedies about finding your footing after a major life transition.If you enjoyed The R.M., you'll like these movies about characters navigating the humorous and frustrating process of starting over. This collection features similar comedies and dramas focused on post-mission life, returning home, or other major transitions where hope and humor overcome a series of setbacks.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a linear, episodic structure where the protagonist faces a series of comedic but relatable hurdles upon returning to their old life. The narrative is driven by the gap between expectation and reality, leading to a journey of mild adversity that builds towards maturation and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a well-intentioned protagonist facing a cascade of comedic, real-world problems that test their resolve. The story is straightforward, emphasizing how faith, community, and a positive attitude provide the framework for overcoming obstacles and finding happiness.

Why These Movies?

Movies here share a specific tone mix: light comedy is the primary vehicle, but it's underpinned by sincere themes of faith and morality. The pacing is steady, the emotional weight is intentionally light, and the endings are unambiguously positive, creating a coherently comforting vibe.

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The R.M. Summary

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The R.M. Timeline

Track the full timeline of The R.M. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The R.M. Timeline

The R.M. Spoiler-Free Summary

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The R.M. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The R.M.

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