Roxanne

Roxanne

Year: 1987

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Fred Schepisi

ComedyRomance

A spirited transgendered sex worker unexpectedly finds joy and purpose when a young girl is left in her care. As they form an unlikely and heartwarming bond, they navigate the complexities of love, family, and identity. The film explores themes of acceptance and belonging in a tender and offbeat comedy.

Roxanne (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Roxanne (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling streets of a sun‑kissed coastal town, everyday life hums with a rhythm that’s part hustle, part heartbeat. The city’s neon lights and cramped alleyways provide a vibrant backdrop for a story that mixes off‑beat comedy with a surprisingly tender look at what it means to belong. Humor flows as freely as the tide, yet beneath the jokes there’s a quiet invitation to notice the people who live on the margins, finding connection in the most unexpected places.

At the center of this world is Roxanne, a spirited transgender sex worker whose wit and resilience make her a magnetic presence wherever she goes. She moves through the city with a blend of swagger and vulnerability, her laughter masking deeper questions about identity and acceptance. Roxanne’s job, while demanding, also gives her an acute awareness of human longing—something she’s learned to navigate with both practicality and a surprising softness.

A chance encounter brings a shy, abandoned girl into Roxanne’s orbit, and the two quickly form an unlikely partnership that feels both fragile and fierce. The young girl, fresh to the streets and carrying her own unspoken burdens, discovers in Roxanne a reluctant guardian and, gradually, a friend who offers both protection and playfulness. Their interactions ripple with humor—a shared cup of cheap coffee, a clumsy dance in a rain‑slicked lane—while also hinting at the deeper emotional currents they’ll have to steer.

Together, they wander a world that oscillates between bright storefronts and shadowed corners, meeting a cast of quirks—a nosy café owner, a well‑meaning but clueless volunteer firefighter, and other colorful locals—each adding texture to the town’s tapestry. As the seasons shift, the duo’s bond suggests that home isn’t a fixed address but a feeling forged through compassion, acceptance, and the shared laughter that binds strangers into a makeshift family.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:40

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Charming Small-Town Love Stories like Roxanne

Gentle comedies where quirky communities set the stage for romance.If you enjoyed the cozy, quirky vibe of Roxanne, you'll love these other movies set in charming towns. This collection features gentle romantic comedies where the community spirit and lighthearted humor create a feel-good experience similar to films like Roxanne.

charmingquaintwhimsicalcozyheartwarmingoptimisticgentlefunny

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically revolves around a central, often quirky, romantic plot that is intertwined with the lives of the town's colorful inhabitants. Conflicts are gentle and resolved with humor and understanding, leading to satisfying, happy endings that reinforce themes of belonging and community.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a consistent light tone, low emotional intensity, and a whimsical, optimistic mood. They are grouped by their reliance on charming settings and a steady, easy-to-follow pace that prioritizes character and warmth over high-stakes drama.

Funny Cyrano-Inspired Love Triangles like Roxanne

Hilarious stories of secret crushes and mistaken identity, inspired by classic tales.For fans of the clever, humorous love triangle in Roxanne, this thread gathers movies with similar Cyrano de Bergerac-inspired plots. Discover other comedies where witty characters, secret crushes, and charming misadventures drive the story, just like in Roxanne.

wittyromanticfunnycharmingcleverheartwarmingupbeatmischievous

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central character with a unique talent (like wit or eloquence) who secretly pines for someone but, due to insecurity or circumstance, helps a more conventionally appealing but less articulate friend woo them. The resulting comedy comes from the secret orchestrations and the eventual, heartfelt resolution where true feelings are revealed.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared plot structure, light comedic tone, and focus on romantic misadventures stemming from insecurity and miscommunication. They consistently deliver high humor scores and straightforward narratives with happy, affirming conclusions.

Unlock the Full Story of Roxanne

Don't stop at just watching — explore Roxanne in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Roxanne is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Roxanne Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Roxanne, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Roxanne Summary

Roxanne Timeline

Track the full timeline of Roxanne with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Roxanne Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roxanne

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Roxanne. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roxanne

More About Roxanne

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Roxanne: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Roxanne

Similar Movies to Roxanne

Discover movies like Roxanne that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.