Son in Law (1993) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in two contrasting locations: a small rural farming community in South Dakota where Becca comes from, and Los Angeles where she attends college. The Thanksgiving visit creates a pivotal moment where these two worlds collide.

• south dakota
• los angeles
• setting
• rural
• urban

The culture clash explores Becca's transition from traditional, rural South Dakota values to the fast-paced, liberal environment of a Los Angeles college. Crawl serves as a bridge between these worlds, helping Becca navigate new freedoms while challenging her sense of belonging and identity.

• culture clash
• rural
• urban
• los angeles
• south dakota
• values

Crawl (Fred 'Crawl' Weasel) is the quirky resident advisor who becomes Becca's love interest in Los Angeles. He's initially portrayed as carefree and unconventional, but he proves himself capable by learning farming, earning her family's trust, and becoming a stabilizing force for the Warner family.

• crawl
• fred weasel
• resident advisor
• character

Rebecca 'Becca' Warner is an ambitious valedictorian from rural South Dakota who moves to Los Angeles for college. Throughout the film, she evolves in style and confidence while learning to balance her traditional upbringing with newfound independence.

• rebecca
• becca
• warner
• protagonist
• college student

The romance and family theme centers on Becca's relationship with Crawl intersecting with her family's expectations during Thanksgiving. Crawl's earnest attempts to fit into farm life test the boundaries of acceptance and loyalty, showing how relationships must adapt to cultural differences.

• romance
• family
• thanksgiving
• acceptance
• relationship

Rebecca's parents are Walter and Connie Warner. Walter is the cautious father who values family tradition but learns to respect Crawl after witnessing his actions during a crisis. Connie is the warm mother who initially distrusts Crawl's unconventional ways but eventually supports Becca's choices.

• walter
• connie
• parents
• family
• warner family

The deception and trust theme involves a subplot where drugging and manipulation test Becca and Crawl's relationship. As truth emerges, alliances shift and accountability becomes crucial. The resolution hinges on open communication and choosing partners who respect each other's growth.

• deception
• trust
• manipulation
• truth
• honesty

Son in Law is a drama-comedy romance film from 1993. It has a light, warm tone with medium intensity centered on the conflict of the secret fiancé and cultural misunderstandings. The pacing is steady and the narrative is straightforward, leading to a predictably happy ending.

• comedy
• drama
• romance
• 1993
• tone
• genre

Crawl works as a resident advisor (RA) at the Los Angeles college where Becca is studying. His role as an RA places him in a position to interact with students and eventually become involved in Becca's life.

• crawl
• resident advisor
• college
• job

Theo is the farmhand whose actions trigger conflict during the Thanksgiving visit. His decisions illustrate the imperfect choices people sometimes make within close-knit communities, and he is later exposed and dismissed.

• theo
• farmhand
• conflict
• worker

Travis is Rebecca's boyfriend who appears interested in marriage before Crawl enters the picture. He becomes part of the confusing events during the Thanksgiving visit and faces the consequences of the couple's choices.

• travis
• boyfriend
• relationship
• past