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.

The R.M. (2003) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the quiet, tightly‑woven world of a Utah LDS community, Jared Phelps steps off the plane after a two‑year mission in Wyoming with a head full of purpose and a heart full of expectation. He envisions a seamless transition back to the life he left behind—reuniting with a supportive girlfriend, slipping back into a familiar job, and marching toward a degree at Brigham Young University. The film opens with the dissonance between those bright hopes and the stark reality that greets him: an empty airport, a house no longer his, and a family scene that has already begun to shift.

The tone balances gentle humor with earnest introspection, blending moments of quirky surprise—like an unexpected karate kick in the shower—with the weighty undercurrents of faith, family, and personal identity. As Jared navigates this altered landscape, he confronts the uncomfortable truth that the roadmap he once trusted is now riddled with detours. The community’s expectations, his own sense of duty, and the lingering lessons from his missionary service create a compelling internal tug‑of‑war, prompting him to question what “doing the right thing” truly means when life refuses to stay tidy.

Amid the upheaval, Jared meets Kelly Powers, the daughter of a respected church authority, whose presence adds both warmth and a subtle challenge to his evolving priorities. Their tentative connection hints at new possibilities, suggesting that relationships forged in moments of uncertainty can become anchors for growth. The film’s atmosphere feels both intimate and expansive, inviting viewers to feel the pulse of a world where faith and everyday hardships intersect, and to wonder how a young man will chart his path when the future he imagined vanishes before his eyes.

Last Updated: October 23, 2025 at 16:16

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

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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Uplifting stories where humor and faith help navigate everyday challenges.Fans of The R.M. looking for more movies like it will enjoy this selection of gentle faith-based comedies. These films share a light tone, a focus on personal growth within a supportive community, and a mix of humorous setbacks with an ultimately happy and uplifting resolution.

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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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