The R M ( 2003 )

The R.M.: A Hilarious Look at Post-Mission Life for Mormon Missionaries

The R.M., released in 2003, is a comedy film that explores the often-awkward and humorous experiences of young men and women returning home after serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The film follows Jared Phelps, a returned missionary struggling to readjust to civilian life, navigate romantic interests, and reconcile his mission experiences with the realities of the “real world.” The R.M. resonated strongly with audiences familiar with Mormon culture, but its humor and universal themes of self-discovery and dealing with societal expectations also appealed to a broader audience.

Plot Summary

Jared Phelps (Will Swenson) returns home to Utah after serving his two-year mission in Paris, France. He expects a hero's welcome and a smooth transition back into his old life. However, reality quickly sets in. He finds his old friends have moved on, his family is overbearing, and he struggles to adjust to the lack of structure and purpose he experienced on his mission. His attempt to seamlessly re-enter the dating scene proves disastrous, leading to a series of comical and embarrassing encounters.

Jared is pressured to conform to the expectations of his family and community, namely to find a righteous girl and quickly get married. He is encouraged, mostly by his mother, to attend a Welcome Home R.M. dance, a social event notorious for its awkwardness and competitive atmosphere. There, he meets several potential romantic interests, each with their own quirks and expectations.

Throughout the film, Jared grapples with his faith, identity, and future. He questions the pressures placed upon him and tries to find his own path, rather than simply following the script laid out by his community. He encounters various situations that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront the differences between the idealized world he experienced on his mission and the complexities of everyday life.

Ultimately, Jared learns to embrace his imperfections and accept the uncertainties of life. He begins to define his own values and prioritize personal fulfillment over societal expectations. The film culminates with Jared making a conscious decision about his future, demonstrating a newfound sense of self-awareness and independence.

Characters

The R.M. features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the film's comedic and thematic richness. Here is a brief overview of some of the key players:

Themes

The R.M. explores several prominent themes that resonate with audiences within and outside the Mormon community:

• Readjustment After Mission Service: The film realistically portrays the challenges faced by returned missionaries as they transition back to civilian life. This includes adjusting to freedom, managing finances, dealing with post-mission blues, and navigating romantic relationships.
• Societal Expectations: The film satirizes the pressures placed upon young adults in the Mormon community to marry young and conform to specific ideals. Jared's struggle to meet these expectations highlights the tension between personal desires and societal norms.
• Faith and Doubt: While not explicitly questioning faith itself, the film touches on the complexities of maintaining faith in a world that often contradicts the teachings and experiences of a mission. Jared's internal conflict reflects the common struggle of reconciling faith with real-world challenges.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: Jared's journey is ultimately about discovering who he is beyond the role of returned missionary. He learns to define his own values and make choices that align with his personal desires, rather than simply fulfilling expectations.
• The Absurdity of Social Rituals: The film humorously portrays the often-awkward and contrived social rituals of Mormon culture, such as the Welcome Home R.M. dance and the pressure to find a spouse quickly.

Humor and Satire

The R.M. is primarily a comedy, and its humor stems from several sources:

• Cultural Stereotypes: The film plays on common stereotypes associated with Mormon culture, such as the strong emphasis on family, the aversion to caffeine and alcohol, and the unique vocabulary used within the community.
• Situational Comedy: Much of the humor arises from the awkward and embarrassing situations Jared finds himself in as he attempts to navigate the dating scene and readjust to civilian life.
• Character-Driven Humor: The film features a cast of quirky and eccentric characters whose interactions and behaviors contribute to the comedic tone. Kelly Farrington, in particular, serves as a source of constant comic relief.
• Satire of Social Norms: The film satirizes the social norms and expectations of Mormon culture, highlighting the absurdity of certain rituals and the pressures placed upon young adults.

Reception and Impact

The R.M. received generally positive reviews, particularly from audiences familiar with Mormon culture. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of returned missionary life, its witty humor, and its relatable characters. The film became a cult favorite within the Mormon community and helped to pave the way for other films and television shows that explore Mormon themes with humor and nuance.

While some critics outside the Mormon community found the film's humor too niche, others appreciated its universal themes of self-discovery and the challenges of growing up. The R.M. demonstrated that it was possible to create a successful comedy that appealed to both a specific cultural audience and a broader mainstream audience.

Behind the Scenes

Legacy

The R.M. remains a beloved comedy film within the Mormon community and has had a lasting impact on the way Mormon culture is portrayed in media. It demonstrated that it was possible to create a film that both celebrated and poked fun at Mormon traditions, appealing to both insiders and outsiders. The film helped to normalize conversations about the challenges and triumphs of returned missionary life and paved the way for other filmmakers and storytellers to explore Mormon themes with greater depth and complexity.

The film's success also contributed to the growth of independent filmmaking in Utah, showcasing the talent and creativity of local actors and filmmakers. HaleStorm Entertainment, the production company behind The R.M., has continued to produce a variety of successful films and television shows, further solidifying Utah's reputation as a hub for independent filmmaking.

Memorable Quotes

The R.M. is filled with memorable quotes that have become iconic within the Mormon community. Here are a few examples:

• Welcome Home R.M.! The best four years of your life... minus the two you just spent!
• Did you baptize any French guys? - Jared's Dad
• She's a total 'Shantel.' (referring to a stereotypical Mormon girl)
• That was the most spiritual experience of my life... before you ran over my foot. - Kelly
• I'm going to go home and read my scriptures... because I'm still a member. - Jared

Comparisons to Other Films

While The R.M. is unique in its specific focus on Mormon culture, it shares some thematic similarities with other films that explore the challenges of growing up, finding one's identity, and navigating societal expectations. For example, it can be compared to:

Conclusion

The R.M. is a hilarious and heartwarming film that offers a unique glimpse into the world of returned Mormon missionaries. Its witty humor, relatable characters, and insightful exploration of themes such as identity, faith, and societal expectations have resonated with audiences for over two decades. Whether you are familiar with Mormon culture or not, The R.M. is a charming and entertaining film that will leave you laughing and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of growing up.