Moving (1988) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Moving takes place primarily in two locations: the family's original home in New Jersey and their destination in Boise, Idaho. The story begins in a New Jersey suburban setting before chronicling the family's challenging relocation to Boise.

• setting
• new jersey
• boise
• idaho
• locations

The Pear family relocates to Boise, Idaho. The film portrays Boise as a city with charming quiet neighborhoods, beautiful landscapes, and a growing arts scene, contrasting with their suburban life in New Jersey.

• boise
• idaho
• relocation
• new home
• city

Moving is set in the late 20th century, reflecting a contemporary period when suburban living was increasingly popular in the United States. While no specific year is mentioned, the film captures the era of economic shifts and family dynamics typical of that time.

• time period
• era
• 1980s
• late 20th century
• contemporary

The central theme of Moving is family and relocation. The film explores how the challenges of moving, from resistance by family members to the chaos of the actual relocation, test and ultimately strengthen family bonds. It shows how shared experiences, both difficult and humorous, can bring a family closer together.

• themes
• family
• relocation
• bonds
• change

Moving portrays the universal struggle of facing the unknown through the Pear family's relocation. As they deal with difficult neighbors, unexpected home issues, and the stress of adapting to a new environment, the family learns resilience and how to navigate adversity together.

• change
• adaptation
• resilience
• new environment
• growth

Arlo Pear is the determined family man played by Randy Quaid who heads the Pear household. He faces numerous unfortunate events while trying to relocate his family to Idaho. His optimism often clashes with reality, creating humorous situations, but his love for his family drives him to keep overcoming obstacles.

• arlo pear
• randy quaid
• protagonist
• father
• family man

Monica Pear is Arlo's supportive wife who initially struggles with the idea of leaving their home. She serves as the voice of reason within the family, balancing her husband's ambitions with her children's emotional needs. Her character represents the emotional turmoil of uprooting one's life.

• monica pear
• wife
• mother
• supportive

Casey Pear is the teenage daughter of Arlo and Monica Pear. She is a typical rebellious teenager who tries to sabotage the family's move to stay with her boyfriend. Her storyline reflects the struggles of adolescence during major family transitions and the need for family connection despite the desire for independence.

• casey pear
• daughter
• teenager
• rebellious

Moving is a slapstick comedy film. The humor derives from chaotic, physical situations, particularly Arlo's struggles with moving a large mattress up a narrow staircase, along with the series of comedic setbacks the family faces, including unemployment, an unreliable moving company, and a menacing neighbor.

• comedy
• slapstick
• humor
• funny

Moving maintains a consistently light, humorous tone despite the stressful situations the characters face. The film uses slapstick comedy to play family challenges like unemployment and moving chaos for laughs rather than drama. The ending is happy, with the family reunited and problems resolved.

• tone
• mood
• light
• happy ending
• comedy