The prep school situation is quickly set up. Most of the movie is about the misadventures Tim has on campus, while he falls in love with Jane off-campus. What makes this movie so different from all the other teen stories with a similar supposition is that Outside Providence never goes for the easy gross-out gag, the disgusting embarrassment or the sentimental embrace of sugary affection. All the emotions are honestly earned. There are no complete triumphs, no complete failures.
Every resolution is bittersweet.
In a smaller part, the raspy-voiced Baldwin creates an unforgettable character known as Old Man Dunphy. He is a stressed-out widower who always needs a shave. Because this gruff and grumpy radiator repairman is happiest playing cards at night with his buddies around the kitchen table, he never spends time with his troubled son. Neither father nor son is too good at expressing emotions. Broader issues of loyalty and responsibility eventually take over the plot, which is fine.