Grounded in Love (2025) Movie – Cast & Crew

Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years, Christmas at the Drive-In) stars in Grounded in Love as Annie, a free-spirited Manhattan flight attendant whose life takes an unexpected turn when an airline merger grounds her career and a breakup leaves her adrift. Seeking solace, she returns to her grandmother’s Kentucky farm—a place frozen in time, where childhood memories and forgotten values await. There, she reconnects with Jake (Trevor Donovan), her former best friend who traded corporate success for simple, purposeful living. As their friendship deepens, Annie begins to question her fast-paced lifestyle and discovers the enduring power of faith, family, and love that stays rooted through life’s storms.

This uplifting romantic drama blends small-town charm with heartfelt spiritual themes, offering a refreshing counter to today’s hectic world. With picturesque rural landscapes, nostalgic flashbacks, and a touching exploration of what truly matters, Grounded in Love is perfect for fans of When Calls the Heart and Sweet Home Alabama. McKellar and Donovan’s chemistry shines as they portray two people at crossroads—one running from commitment, the other embracing it—making their journey toward each other (and God) both believable and inspiring.

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Meet the Cast

1: Danica McKellar as Annie

Danica McKellar brings warmth and relatability to Annie, a woman who’s spent years chasing excitement but finds herself longing for something deeper. McKellar’s performance captures Annie’s initial restlessness and gradual transformation as she reconnects with her roots, faith, and the people she left behind. Whether she’s struggling to adjust to farm life or sharing vulnerable moments with Jake, McKellar ensures Annie’s emotional journey feels authentic.

The actress’s natural charm makes Annie’s city-girl quirks—like her horror at collecting eggs or her failed attempts at baking—both endearing and humorous. Yet it’s in the quieter scenes, particularly those with Brenda Currin as her grandmother, that McKellar reveals Annie’s deeper yearning for belonging.

2: Trevor Donovan as Jake

Trevor Donovan (Christmas in Maple Hills, *90210*) delivers one of his most compelling performances as Jake, the childhood friend who gave up corporate success to return home. Donovan balances rugged sincerity with quiet depth, portraying a man who’s found peace in simplicity but still carries old regrets. His chemistry with McKellar is palpable, especially in flashbacks that reveal their unspoken past feelings.

Jake’s patient, steadfast nature contrasts beautifully with Annie’s impulsiveness, and Donovan’s grounded performance makes his character’s faith-driven choices feel genuine rather than preachy. A standout scene finds Jake helping Annie through a crisis, showcasing Donovan’s ability to convey strength and tenderness simultaneously.

3: Brenda Currin as Beulah

Brenda Currin (The Secret Life of Bees, The Long Walk Home) is the heart of the film as Beulah, Annie’s wise and loving grandmother. Currin’s gentle but firm presence provides the spiritual anchor Annie needs, whether she’s sharing Scripture over pie or offering hard-won life lessons. Her scenes with McKellar radiate warmth, making their generational bond deeply moving.

Currin avoids caricature, instead crafting a grandmother who’s both nurturing and refreshingly candid—especially when calling Annie out on her avoidance of commitment. Her performance elevates every scene she’s in.

4: Monica Lacy as Janice

Monica Lacy (A Nashville Christmas Carol) brings humor and heart as Janice, Annie’s quirky aunt who never left the farm. Lacy’s comedic timing shines in scenes where she playfully teases Annie about city life, but she also delivers touching moments about the joys of staying rooted in community.

Her subplot—a sweet, late-in-life romance with Robert C. Kirk’s character—adds another layer of warmth to the story.

5: Patti Tippo as Evelyn

Patti Tippo (The Shift) steals scenes as Evelyn, the town’s lovably nosy neighbor who’s always baking casseroles and dispensing unsolicited advice. Tippo’s performance is laugh-out-loud funny yet never cartoonish, making Evelyn a delightful foil to Annie’s fish-out-of-water struggles.

Her gossipy but good-natured meddling provides some of the film’s biggest laughs, particularly when she tries to set Annie up with every eligible bachelor in town.

6: Robert C. Kirk as Bob

Robert C. Kirk (A Christmas Blessing) plays Bob, a kind-hearted farmer and Janice’s love interest. Kirk brings a quiet, steady presence to the role, embodying the film’s themes of patience and faithfulness. His gentle courtship of Janice offers a touching contrast to Annie and Jake’s more turbulent dynamic.

Supporting Standouts

• Mark Provencher (Country at Heart) as Woody, Jake’s best friend and fellow farmer, whose good-natured ribbing hides deep loyalty.

• Ron Fallica (A Christmas Treasure) as Stuart, the town’s gruff but soft-hearted mechanic.

• Victoria Cabral (A Christmas Prayer) as Lana, Annie’s city friend whose visit sparks a crisis of conscience.

• Dalton Rimbert (An Unlikely Angel) as Pastor Scott, whose sermons subtly guide Annie toward self-reflection.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Faith Meets Romance: A rare faith-based film that balances spiritual themes with genuine romantic chemistry.

• Small-Town Charm: Rolling hills, front-porch conversations, and a strong sense of community.

• Danica & Trevor’s Chemistry: Their easy rapport makes Annie and Jake’s love story feel destined.

• Uplifting Message: A reminder that sometimes being “grounded” is the greatest adventure of all.

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Final Teaser

Grounded in Love is the perfect blend of heart, humor, and hope. Stream it August 7, 2025, only on Great American Pure Flix.

Want more? Ask for behind-the-scenes faith insights or the real-life inspirations for the farm setting!