Mumford is a 1999 comedy-drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Loren Dean, Hope Davis, Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard, Mary McDonnell, Martin Short, David Paymer, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Zooey Deschanel in her film debut. The film tells the story of Dr. Mumford (played by Dean), a former truck driver who faked his credentials and became a therapist, who moves to a small town and starts seeing patients with various problems.
Mumford becomes incredibly popular due to his compassionate and unorthodox methods of therapy, quickly becoming something of a town hero. He also catches the eye of Sofie Crisp (Davis), a beautiful postal worker with a knack for falling for the wrong guys. However, as Mumford's popularity grows, his past begins to catch up with him, revealing that he may not be who he seems.
As the town’s secrets and intrigues begin to unravel, Mumford himself becomes a subject of speculation, eventually having to confront his questionable past and the consequences of stretching the truth. Ultimately, the story is one of personal growth and redemption, as Mumford learns to confront his own fears and limitations, and the townspeople learn to embrace their own imperfections.
Mumford received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's gentle humor, charming performances, and heartfelt story. Although not a huge commercial success, the film has developed a cult following over the years, with many viewers finding solace and inspiration in its themes of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the struggle to make sense of life’s complexities.