The Thing Called Love

River Phoenix shines before passing on, plus the lovely Samantha Mathis. Several 20-somethings try to make it in the country music business in Nashville: Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), fresh from New York City; Connecticut cowboy Kyle (Dermot Mulroney); ditzy but genuine Southern belle Linda Lue (Sandra Bullock); and the bursting-with-creative-energy-and-confidence James Wright (River Phoenix). The film follows Miranda, an aspiring country musician who moves from New York City to Nashville and becomes embroiled in a love triangle between fellow musicians James Wright and Kyle Davidson.