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Hiding Out (1987) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Hiding Out (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1987 · 98 min · English
Directed by
Bob Giraldi
Starring
Annabeth Gish, Jon Cryer, Keith Coogan, Oliver Cotton, Ned Eisenberg, Tim Quill

To escape dangerous mobsters seeking revenge, charismatic stockbroker Max Hauser takes on the identity of Andrew and attempts to blend in as a high school student. He struggles to balance his fabricated life with the challenges of adolescence, forming new relationships while battling a growing sense of rebellion. As he tries to maintain his disguise, he must confront the constant threat of exposure and the question of how long he can keep his secret.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Hiding Out
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Hiding Out (1987)

Where can you watch Hiding Out? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Kanopy, Tubi TV and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Hiding Out Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Hiding Out (1987), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Andrew Morenski (Jon Cryer)

    Andrew is a 29-year-old stockbroker who finds himself in a perilous situation after witnessing a major stock scam. His transformation from an anxious witness to a confident individual who embraces a new identity reflects his growth throughout the film as he confronts personal fears and societal challenges.

    • 🧑‍💼 Protagonist
    • 🛡️ Survivor
  • Ryan Campbell (Annabeth Gish)

    Ryan is a high school student who develops a connection with Andrew. Her genuine interest in him provides emotional support during his turbulent journey, and her character embodies innocence and resilience, often encouraging Andrew to embrace his new life.

    • 👧 Friend
    • ❤️ Love Interest
  • Patrick Morenski (Keith Coogan)

    Patrick is Andrew's teenage cousin who unknowingly befriends his fugitive relative. His loyalty and youthful perspective add depth to the story, as he grapples with the realities of his cousin's dangerous situation while navigating typical teenage experiences.

    • 👦 Family
    • 🤝 Ally

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

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Setting

Where and When Does Hiding Out Take Place?

The setting of Hiding Out (1987): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the socio-political climate of late 20th-century America, particularly showcasing themes around crime, justice, and personal transformation. The story captures the zeitgeist of the era, focusing on personal struggles amidst societal chaos.

Location

Boston, Massachusetts, Topsail Bay, Delaware

The movie primarily takes place in Boston, a vibrant city known for its rich history and as a hub for education and finance. Meanwhile, Topsail Bay, a smaller coastal town in Delaware, offers a stark contrast with its serene environment and close-knit community, serving as a refuge for Andrew as he attempts to evade danger.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🎓 School

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

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3 major themes

Hiding Out Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Hiding Out (1987) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Justice

    A central theme in the film is the pursuit of justice, as Andrew navigates the challenges of being a key witness against a dangerous mobster. His journey from a fearful stockbroker to a courageous individual stepping up to the responsibility of testimony highlights the significance of standing up against wrongdoing.

  • Identity

    The theme of identity is pivotal, as Andrew creates a new persona to evade the mob and hide his true self. This exploration of disguise and self-discovery emphasizes the complexities of personal identity and how circumstances can alter one's path in life.

  • Love

    The evolving relationship between Andrew and Ryan introduces a romantic subplot that contrasts with the film's atmosphere of danger. Their connection offers a glimpse of hope and normalcy amid chaos and serves as a reminder of the human capacity for love and support even in trying times.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

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Character & theme questions

Hiding Out Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Hiding Out (1987): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does the movie take place?

The story unfolds across two distinct locations: Boston, Massachusetts, a bustling city that serves as the initial setting for the dangerous stock scam, and Topsail Bay, Delaware, a quiet coastal town where Andrew hides and assumes his new identity as a high school student.

  • boston
  • delaware
  • setting
  • topsail bay
  • locations
Q2

What era is the movie set in?

Hiding Out is set in the late 1980s, during a contemporary period that reflects the era's socio-political climate around crime, justice, and personal transformation.

  • 1980s
  • era
  • time period
  • contemporary
  • 1987
Q3

What are the main themes in the film?

The film explores three core themes: justice, as Andrew must overcome his fear to testify against a dangerous mobster; identity, as he creates a new persona to survive and discovers who he truly is; and love, which develops through his relationship with Ryan and offers hope amid danger.

  • themes
  • justice
  • identity
  • love
  • transformation
Q4

What does the identity theme mean in the story?

The identity theme explores how Andrew's decision to adopt a fake identity as a teenage student forces him to confront who he really is. His journey from a fearful stockbroker to someone who embraces courage and new experiences shows how extreme circumstances can fundamentally change a person's sense of self.

  • identity
  • disguise
  • persona
  • self-discovery
  • transformation
Q5

Who is Andrew Morenski in the movie?

Andrew Morenski is a 29-year-old stockbroker who becomes a key witness against a dangerous mobster after witnessing a major stock scam. To escape the threat of retaliation, he assumes the identity of a high school student named Andrew, hiding in Topsail Bay while grappling with the challenges of adolescence and his fear of exposure.

  • andrew morenski
  • stockbroker
  • witness
  • identity
  • protagonist
Q6

Who is Ryan Campbell and what is her role?

Ryan Campbell is a high school student who develops a romantic connection with Andrew during his time in Topsail Bay. Her genuine interest and emotional support provide Andrew with a sense of normalcy and hope amid his dangerous situation, representing innocence and resilience throughout the film.

  • ryan campbell
  • annabeth gish
  • love interest
  • romance
  • support
Q7

Who is Patrick Morenski in the story?

Patrick Morenski is Andrew's teenage cousin who unknowingly befriends his fugitive relative while attending the same high school. His loyalty and youthful perspective add emotional depth to the story, as he navigates the surprising reality of his cousin's dangerous situation while experiencing typical teenage challenges.

  • patrick morenski
  • cousin
  • keith coogan
  • family
  • support
Q8

How is the justice theme portrayed in the film?

The justice theme centers on Andrew's moral journey from a frightened witness willing to hide, to someone who finds the courage to stand up against wrongdoing. His testimony against the mobster represents a broader theme of personal responsibility and the choice to confront injustice rather than flee from it.

  • justice
  • witness
  • mobster
  • testimony
  • courage
Q9

Why does the story take place in a high school?

Andrew assumes the identity of a high school student because it provides the perfect cover, younger, less suspicious, and able to blend in with teenagers. The high school setting also creates natural tension as a 29-year-old attempts to navigate adolescent social dynamics while maintaining his dangerous secret.

  • high school
  • disguise
  • cover
  • teenage life
  • hiding
Q10

What is the tone of the movie?

The film balances a tense atmosphere driven by Andrew's constant fear of exposure and danger from mob hitmen, with lighter moments of teen romance, comedic situations, and the absurdities of an adult pretending to be a teenager. This creates an overall tone that is suspenseful but occasionally playful and hopeful.

  • tone
  • mood
  • tension
  • comedy
  • suspense

Movie threads

More Movies Like Hiding Out, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Hiding Out tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Hiding Out where adults go undercover in high school

High-stakes undercover operations that blur the line between adult and adolescent life. If you enjoyed the premise of Hiding Out, you'll like these films featuring adults posing as teenagers. This collection includes thrilling and comedic stories where characters navigate high school life while hiding a dangerous secret, blending suspense with nostalgic teen drama.

  • suspenseful
  • anxious
  • lighthearted
  • nostalgic
  • farcical
  • adventurous
  • Tone: tense, lighthearted
  • Pacing: fast, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The core narrative involves an adult protagonist, often fleeing a serious threat, who must adopt the identity of a high school student. The plot revolves around the increasing difficulty of balancing their fabricated teenage life with their adult knowledge and the ever-present risk of their cover being blown, often culminating in a final confrontation.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their unique high-concept premise that merges the tension of a life-or-death situation with the relatable, often humorous, setting of high school. They share a specific tone that juggles suspense and lightheartedness, creating a distinct viewing experience.

Fast-paced life-on-the-run thrillers with heart like Hiding Out

Fast-paced escape stories where hiding leads to unexpected connections and personal change. Seeking more movies with the energetic, suspenseful vibe of Hiding Out? This list features fast-paced thrillers where a character on the run forms meaningful bonds while evading danger. These stories balance tense action with character-driven drama and often end on a hopeful note.

  • tense
  • adventurous
  • hopeful
  • romantic
  • suspenseful
  • anxious
  • Tone: tense, hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, suspenseful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a character who must abandon their old life to escape a grave threat. While in hiding, they are drawn into a new community or relationship that challenges their isolation. The story escalates as their secret life becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, forcing them to confront their past to secure a future.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their specific emotional mix: a fast-paced, tense thriller structure is infused with warmth, romance, or comedy. The stakes are high, but the focus remains on the protagonist's emotional transformation and the human connections made along the way, leading to a satisfying, hopeful conclusion.

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Movies Like Hiding Out

Similar movies to Hiding Out: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Hiding Out (1987) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Hiding Out in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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