As we get to see the backstory of the barely seen titled character, it is obvious that circumstances beyond her control and that of her long-time sweetheart (who grows up to be Jeff Daniels) causes her to abandon him, their newborn baby daughter and her hometown. Over 15 years go by before the town is told that she is coming for a visit, and one person in particular (town oddball Winona Ryder) is excited by the return. It appears that the legend has gotten around to certain people, and Ryder believes that she is that child. As the town prepares for the return of their prodigal daughter, reactions from people who knew her indicate that they either envy her for the gumption to get up and leave or pretend that they were best friends when in truth, they couldn't stand her or vice versa.
Ryder's adoptive parents (Graham Beckel and Frances Fisher) can't relate to her at all, with the relationship between adoptive mother Fisher and her adoptive daughter to be particularly strained. As the days get closer, Ryder's behavior has the town questioning her quirkiness, leading to a kindly guidance counselor (Laila Robbins) to step in and aide Ryder into coming to terms with her issues.
There's some nice camaraderie between Ryder and Daniels as the story comes out how Ryder believes him to be her natural father. One of the school jocks who teases her mercilessly reveals he has a crush on her which is a nice little subplot. This is not a great movie, but Ryder adds some charm to a character that is more than just a continuation of the character she played in "Beetlejuice". Pretty Ohio scenery is another highlight, as is Ryder's little hideaway with an assortment of pigs, goats and mangy dogs hidden away from the snobby world her adoptive parents live in. This is definitely the type of film that misguided teens might have more of a connection with. Otherwise, others will enjoy it for its quirkiness then quickly forget about it.
Ryder's adoptive parents (Graham Beckel and Frances Fisher) can't relate to her at all, with the relationship between adoptive mother Fisher and her adoptive daughter to be particularly strained. As the days get closer, Ryder's behavior has the town questioning her quirkiness, leading to a kindly guidance counselor (Laila Robbins) to step in and aide Ryder into coming to terms with her issues.
There's some nice camaraderie between Ryder and Daniels as the story comes out how Ryder believes him to be her natural father. One of the school jocks who teases her mercilessly reveals he has a crush on her which is a nice little subplot. This is not a great movie, but Ryder adds some charm to a character that is more than just a continuation of the character she played in "Beetlejuice". Pretty Ohio scenery is another highlight, as is Ryder's little hideaway with an assortment of pigs, goats and mangy dogs hidden away from the snobby world her adoptive parents live in. This is definitely the type of film that misguided teens might have more of a connection with. Otherwise, others will enjoy it for its quirkiness then quickly forget about it.