The R.M.

The film opens with Jared returning from a two-year mission to a world that has moved on without him. The homecoming is chaotic: there is no crowd waiting at the airport, and the house has been moved out from under him to a new occupant—a Tonga exchange student. To top it off, the new homeowner greets him with a karate kick in the shower, a moment he later calls being Kung-fued by a naked ninja.

Back home, Jared learns that his mother is pregnant, his girlfriend is about to marry someone else in two weeks, and the ring he bought cannot be returned. His job prospects have vanished into a new online business run by his former employer, and the only immediate option abroad would be to mine diamonds in South Africa. The combination of personal and logistical shocks sets the tone for his stalled re-entry.

He is rejected by Brigham Young University and drifts through a string of odd jobs. At times he considers selling knives to make ends meet, trying to patch together a future from uncertain opportunities. The sense of being adrift worsens as expectations from his mission life clash with the reality at home.

Amid the upheaval he meets Kelly Powers, the daughter of Elder Powers, a figure whose presence brings both awe and awkwardness. On a date with Kelly, he navigates the social landmines of church life and shifting priorities. Her involvement introduces a glimmer of possibility in his unsettled world.

During these changes, Jared’s mother goes into labor and the family welcomes a baby boy. The arrival reshapes the household dynamics and adds a new layer of responsibility to Jared’s already complicated life. The event underscores how life continues to move forward despite personal turmoil.

Boils break out on his skin, adding a physical toll to his stress, and a legal scrape sparked by a friend’s actions lands him in trouble. He loses his job and is removed from his role as the elders quorum president, compounding his sense of failure. The double blow pushes him toward a pivotal moral choice.

Faced with protecting a friend or risking jail for both of them, Jared chooses honesty. His decision leads to his friend’s jail time while Jared is ultimately cleared. The ordeal tests his values and cements a commitment to truth-telling over easy protection.

Jared speaks at church about how his mission lessons reshaped his life in unexpected ways. The address marks a turning point, signaling his willingness to rebuild with faith. The speech resonates with the congregation and reinforces the theme of growth through adversity.

He begins night classes and resolves to reapply to BYU in the fall. The plan signals a commitment to a fresh start despite setbacks. He continues to date Kelly and keeps a hopeful outlook for the future.

As his relationship with Kelly deepens, they are seen in a jewelry shop exchanging his old ring for a new one as they become engaged. The moment consolidates their commitment and marks a hopeful future. It stands in contrast to the earlier turmoil, signaling growth and reconciliation.

Fringe characters like Grandma Phelps and Sister Porterhouse appear, anchoring the community’s warmth and steadiness around Jared. Their presence underscores the film’s themes of faith, family, and shared support. They help keep the protagonist grounded as he navigates his new path.

The film closes on a note of hopeful possibility, suggesting that Jared’s mission lessons, honesty, and perseverance have reshaped his life. He looks toward a grounded future with the BYU reapplication underway, ongoing relationship with Kelly, and a stabilizing sense of purpose. The final image emphasizes faith, family, and personal growth.