Little Shop of Horrors 1986

The story, narrated by Stanley Jones, recounts a bizarre and chilling event that almost led to the extinction of humanity. This peculiar occurrence took place in Skid Row, New York—a locale that seems innocent at first glance. A trio of teenage girls, portrayed by Michelle Weeks, Tisha Campbell-Martin, and Tichina Arnold, serves as a Motown-singing Greek chorus, setting the scene at the unimposing Mushnick’s Flower Shop—better known as “Little Shop of Horrors.”

At the heart of the story is Seymour Krelborn, played by Rick Moranis, a timid and awkward employee working under Mr. Mushnick, acted by Vincent Gardenia. Living in a cramped room beneath the flower shop, Seymour endures a miserable existence filled with misfortune and overwhelming frustration. The only bright spot in his life is his co-worker Audrey, portrayed by Ellen Greene, who is trapped in a toxic and abusive relationship. The flower shop is struggling financially and on the brink of closure when Audrey suggests that Seymour’s latest plant experiment may attract customers if marketed properly.

Seymour unveils his creation, a striking, large bud with alluring leaves, which draws in a deluge of customers after being prominently displayed in the shop window. Unbeknownst to Seymour, the unusual plant, which he names “Audrey II,” appeared mysteriously after a solar eclipse while he was seeking rare plants. As business booms, Seymour battles with the plant’s rapid decline in health and, in a moment of desperation, discovers that it thrives on his blood.

The peculiar plant’s appetite transforms Seymour into a local celebrity, but his success comes at a sinister cost. Audrey’s boyfriend is Orin Scrivello, a sadistic dentist, who torments her both physically and emotionally. Seymour’s concern for Audrey deepens as he witnesses Orin’s aggressive behavior and her yearning for a better life—a life that she fantasizes about with Seymour.

When Seymour finds himself having heated conversations with Audrey II, which now demands “more food,” he wrestles with his morals. The smooth-talking plant entices Seymour with promises of fame and affection, leading him down a dark path. After a dramatic confrontation culminates in Orin’s accidental death, Seymour faces a moral dilemma as he continues to feed the malevolent plant with now-certain human remains.

Despite the lustrous celebrity status that comes from feeding Audrey II, Seymour’s guilt begins to gnaw at him. The revelation of Orin’s disappearance propels him into an emotional struggle as he stands by Audrey, reassuring her of his loyalty. Yet, Seymour finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit when Mr. Mushnick suspects foul play. To save his own skin and retain the lucrative plant, Seymour makes an unbelievable sacrifice.

Trapped by Audrey II’s burgeoning demands, Seymour must confront the reality of his actions as he plans an escape with Audrey. However, their dreams shatter when the plant reveals its true nature, drawing Audrey into its grasp. As Seymour races to save her, he realizes the perils of the alien flora that brought him fame.

In a climactic battle, Seymour discovers the plant’s insidious plot for world domination. With quick thinking and bravery, he manages to destroy Audrey II, ultimately liberating himself from its grasp.

Seymour and Audrey manage to celebrate their love in a suburban paradise that Audrey had always envisioned—yet an eerie reminder of their past emerges when an unmistakable baby Audrey II plant is discovered in their garden, hinting that the nightmare may not be fully over.