Voices (1979) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Voices is set in Hoboken, New Jersey, a working-class urban neighborhood that provides a gritty but relatable backdrop. The story takes place primarily around a family apartment and the nearby train station, with easy access to New York City. This setting emphasizes close-knit community life and the daily rhythms of commuting, work, and family relationships.

• hoboken new jersey setting
• movie location
• urban romance

The film portrays a working-class urban world centered on family life and commuting culture. The Hoboken setting features a blend of blue-collar roots and artistic aspiration, where everyday life revolves around the train station, family businesses, and neighborhood relationships. This world creates a grounded, relatable atmosphere that contrasts with the characters' artistic dreams.

• working class setting
• urban environment
• family dynamics

Voices explores three interconnected themes: Dreams (the pursuit of artistic ambitions against family expectations), Love and Support (how romantic relationships can empower people to chase difficult goals), and Communication (bridging sensory differences through patience and empathy). The film emphasizes perseverance and the courage to pursue personal goals despite criticism from family members.

• dreams theme
• love and support
• communication theme
• perseverance

The movie explores how love transcends sensory differences by showing Rosemarie and Drew learning to listen and interpret signals beyond spoken words. Their relationship becomes a partnership built on trust and adaptive understanding. The film promotes inclusion and shows that meaningful communication requires patience and empathy rather than relying solely on verbal language.

• deaf hearing relationship
• communication barriers
• inclusion
• empathy

Voices presents dreams as worth pursuing even when faced with family skepticism. Both Rosemarie and Drew chase artistic aspirations, dancing and singing, that challenge their families' traditional expectations. Their determination to follow their passions despite ridicule becomes a central theme, with the film suggesting that perseverance and self-belief can ultimately overcome resistance from loved ones.

• chasing dreams
• artistic ambition
• family expectations
• perseverance

Rosemarie Lemon is a young deaf woman who works as a teacher of deaf children while dreaming of becoming a dancer. Played by Amy Irving, she is characterized as determined, resilient, and deeply empathetic. She navigates the challenge of her mother's skepticism while forging her own path toward artistic expression and personal fulfillment.

• rosemarie lemon
• deaf character
• dancer
• amy irving

Drew Rothman is a truck driver for the family business who harbors ambitions to become a singer. Played by Michael Ontkean, he represents a blend of practicality and passion. Despite ridicule from his father and brother, he remains hopeful and supportive of Rosemarie's goals, choosing love and perseverance over conforming to family expectations.

• drew rothman
• singer ambition
• michael ontkean
• truck driver

Rosemarie and Drew's relationship forms the emotional core of the film, a partnership built on mutual encouragement rather than doubt. Despite coming from different worlds (she deaf, he hearing), they choose to support each other's aspirations. Their connection demonstrates how love can empower people to pursue difficult paths they might not have pursued alone.

• rosemarie drew relationship
• romantic partnership
• mutual support
• deaf hearing romance

Both families initially express skepticism toward the couple's artistic ambitions. Mrs. Lemon concerns Rosemarie's pursuit of dance, while Drew's father Frank and brother Raymond ridicule his singing dreams. However, their attitudes evolve as they witness the couple's commitment and resilience, highlighting the theme of family conflict giving way to acceptance.

• family conflict
• parental skepticism
• generational divide
• family acceptance

Voices delivers an uplifting message about perseverance and self-belief. The film shows that pursuing unconventional dreams requires courage and that support from a partner can make challenges feel surmountable. While the characters face family resistance and the added complexity of communicating across sensory differences, their ultimate success affirms that determination and mutual encouragement can overcome obstacles.

• overcoming obstacles
• perseverance
• hope
• personal growth
• uplifting message