The R.M.

The R.M. is a 2003 American comedy-drama directed by Kurt Hale with a screenplay by John E. Moyer. The film revolves around the life of Jared Phelps (Kirby Heyborne), a young man who returns from his mission as an R.M. (returned missionary) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church).

As the film begins, Jared returns home after two years of serving a mission in the heart of New York City. However, Jared is not able to fit back into his old life as easily as he expected. He struggles to adjust to his hometown's cultural norms, social dynamics, and his family's expectations. Jared’s family and former friends have changed, and he finds himself lost in a world that once seemed so familiar.

Jared's awkwardness is evident as he tries to navigate his way through his previous relationships. He finds himself struggling to express his feelings, and his attempts to find love frequently go awry. His one goal is to find a wife, but his search is continuously thwarted by his own quirks and misunderstandings.

Throughout the movie, Jared deals with a wide range of emotions – laughter, confusion, fear, and anger – as he tries to figure out his place within his family and his community. The film incorporates many hilarious comedic moments, that approach the subject of Mormon culture with good-natured humor.

Despite the funny moments, there is an underlying tension existing in the film as Jared faces obstacles that are a little more serious than typical romantic-comedies. He finds himself confronting issues like the difficulty of re-entering the job market and safely navigating societal expectations. The film's premise leads to a climactic finale, wherein Jared organizes a baptismal service in order to help his younger brother find religion, but his attempts are met with reluctance from his community.

The cinematography is of high quality, with beautiful scenery and a warm-fuzzy soundtrack. The R.M. is a fun, lighthearted movie that is suitable for all ages. It is not preachy or heavy-handed in its message, offering a humorous look at the challenges that returning missionaries face.

The R.M. was highly praised by critics for its authenticity and humor. It was an official selection at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and won several awards at various film festivals across the country. The film's star, Kirby Heyborne, has become a cult figure within the LDS community and has since gone on to appear in numerous other LDS comedies.

Overall, The R.M. is an enjoyable, light-hearted comedy that is easy to relate to, even for those who are not LDS. It provides a peek into the unique culture of the Mormon faith in a respectful and humorous way while giving audience members a fun ride.