Year: 1987
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Fred Schepisi
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.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Roxanne yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roxanne (1987) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Roxanne (1987) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Roxanne (1987) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Roxanne – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990) Story Summary & Characters
Roxanne Roxanne (2018) Detailed Story Recap
Vincent N Roxxy (2017) Story Summary & Characters
Dirty Love (2005) Story Summary & Characters
Café de Flore (2012) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Boy Meets Girl (2015) Full Movie Breakdown
Full Moon in Paris (1984) Complete Plot Breakdown
Burlesque (2010) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
A Dirty Shame (2004) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Crossroads (2002) Detailed Story Recap
Love, etc. (1999) Detailed Story Recap
Feast of Love (2007) Movie Recap & Themes
XX/XY (2003) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Eating Out: All You Can Eat (2009) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Meet Monica Velour (2011) Ending Explained & Film Insights