Edward (played by Johnny Depp) is the unfinished creation of an inventor who dies before he can complete Edward’s hands. Left alone in a gothic mansion atop a hill, Edward lives a lonely existence until he is discovered by Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), a kind Avon saleswoman from the nearby suburban neighborhood. Peg brings Edward home to live with her family, introducing him to a colorful and judgmental community. At first, Edward becomes a local sensation thanks to his talent for trimming hedges, grooming dogs, and creating beautiful haircuts with his scissor hands. Edward falls in love with Peg’s daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), but trouble brews when the townsfolk’s curiosity turns into suspicion. Edward is framed for crimes he did not commit, and the once-friendly neighborhood turns against him. In a final confrontation, Edward kills Kim’s abusive boyfriend, Jim, in self-defense. Realizing that Edward can never live safely among people, Kim lies to the townspeople, claiming Edward died during the struggle. Edward retreats to his mansion, living in solitude, while Kim remembers him fondly.