The bond between mothers and daughters has been explored on screen since cinema's inception. The majority of these films showcase the ways in which mothers mold their daughters as they navigate life's trials and triumphs. One film, however, features a mother who has just has much growing up to do as her daughter. 1990's Mermaids introduces viewers to an unforgettably outrageous pair in the form of rigid Charlotte and spontaneous Rachel, both of whom have a lot to learn. At once a heartfelt drama and a quirky comedy this coming of age film is the perfect cinematic treat to dive into this Mother's Day.
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| Just another all-American family |
The story begins in 1963 with fifteen year old Charlotte leading a chaotic existence with her free spirited single mother, Rachel, and her younger half sister, Katie. The trio leads a nomadic existence with the family relocating every time that Rachel's latest relationship ends. At the film's start, the family is preparing to leave Oklahoma for Massachusetts following the end of her latest affair with her married employer. The constant changes lead Charlotte to become resentful of her mother and determined to shape herself into Rachel's polar opposite. As a result, she begins the film bent on becoming a Catholic nun in an effort to rebel against her mother's Jewish heritage and promiscuous lifestyle. The family's new home next to a New England convent seems like a perfect fit for her ambitions until she finds herself besotted by the convent's handsome young caretaker, Joe. While Charlotte struggles to make sense of her attraction to Joe, Rachel embarks upon an unlikely romance with divorced shoe store owner, Lou. A fateful series of events eventually forces mother and daughter to accept each other and themselves.
Expertly balancing between surreal comedy and domestic drama Mermaids celebrates mothers and daughters in all of their complex glory. Through its portrayal of two unique women grappling with everyday problems the film offers a take on motherhood that is at once refreshingly original and reassuringly universal. For example, Charlotte's dueling obsessions with her dream of becoming a nun and her fantasies of Joe make for a conflict that is rife with comedic potential. Simultaneously, however, this same conflict highlights Charlotte's resentment towards her mother and yearning for the stability and structure that she was always denied. In this way the film uses off beat humor to explore the darker side of mother-daughter relationships and the ways in which our parents shape who we don't want to be as much as who we are. The film's narration from Charlotte's at once world weary and painfully naïve perspective also offers quirky humor, even as it relates her all too familiar struggles with growing up. Similarly, the film's depiction of Rachel's defiant nonconformity offers plenty of laughs as she raises eyebrows everywhere she goes, including at home with her own children. As the film delves into her backstory, however, it becomes apparent that there is a painful past behind her endearing eccentricity. Through its loving portrayal of its flawed heroines' efforts to accept themselves and each other the film serves as an apt reminder of the importance of family and shows that it is never too late to grow up. For a film that offers up laughter, tears, and plenty of mama make waves with Charlotte and Rachel in Mermaids.
The film transports viewers to 1960's New England thanks to the mesmerizing work of its cast. Michael Schoeffling infuses strong silent type Joe with an alluring blend of mystique and vulnerability. Christina Richie is delightfully deadpan as swimming obsessed Katie. Bob Hoskins conveys warmth, humor, and charm as Rachel's surprising suitor, Lou. Wynona Ryder and Cher dominate the film as indomitable duo Charlotte and Rachel. Ryder is a portrait of adolescent angst, yet manages to imbue her performance with a sincerity, wit, and intelligence that ensure that Charlotte is more than just another mopey teen. Cher steals each scene in which she appears as the vampish Rachel in a performance that perfectly blends her signature charisma with comedy, restlessness, and vulnerability.
At once a poignant family drama and an off beat coming of age story Mermaids is every bit as magical as the creature it is named for. Through its winning combination of quirky comedy, domestic drama, and vital life lessons the film proves itself to be one of the most memorable mother-daughter films to grace the silver screen. The superb performances of the stellar cast bring each of the film's endearingly eccentric characters to vibrant life. Make a splash this Mother's Day with Rachel and Charlotte in Mermaids.
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