Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet coming-of-age comedy includes bullying, brief sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WELCOME HOME, ROXY CARMICHAEL, 15-year-old Dinky (Winona Ryder) is a smart teenager who struggles to fit in—not just with her schoolmates, but with her adoptive parents too. Dreaming of being somewhere or someone else, she starts to suspect there's an exciting life just waiting for her out there. As the town prepares for the return of now-famous resident Roxy Carmichael, who skipped the area 15 years ago and never looked back, Dinky decides that Roxy must be her birth mother—and her ticket out of there.
Is It Any Good?
This is a quintessential Ryder role—a smart, caring outcast smothered in baggy black clothing and a desire to escape the mundaneness of small town life. Ryder is as likable as ever as Dinky in Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, a film whose titular character barely features, but the impact of her reputation is ever present. Dinky's search for connection is focussed on dreaming of her birth mother, but the central relationship that develops is between her and her guidance counselor, Elizabeth (Laila Robins). Small gestures make an impact—a look and a supportive touch of the hand reassures Dinky that she's not alone. Jeff Daniels' Denton is another strong presence in her life, who takes the time to listen to and understand the teen that's overlooked pretty much everywhere else. The main plot device of Roxy's homecoming feels labored at times and the tone of the film never quite settles, but it's a sweet, funny story driven by charming, engaging performances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Dinky became so focused on Roxy's homecoming in Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. What did Roxy represent for Dinky? How did she imagine things would change when Roxy arrived?
What did Dinky learn during the movie about her identity? Why is it important to accept yourself and be who you are, rather than define yourself by something/someone else?
Dinky felt like she didn't fit in at school or at home, and experiences bullying and a level of neglect. Where might you turn if you or someone you know was experiencing something like this? What might you be able to do to help someone else in that situation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 12, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : August 20, 2018
- Cast : Winona Ryder , Jeff Daniels , Thomas Wilson Brown
- Director : Jim Abrahams
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 13, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate