Mermaids 1990

Drama

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$35M

Runtime

110 min

Language

English

Made by

Orion Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mermaids (1990). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Moving is a forte for Rachel Flax (Christina Ricci), and her latest relocation is no exception. The family’s newest chapter finds them in a quaint town along the east coast, far removed from the bustling city life they once knew. With Rachel’s 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte (Winona Ryder), keenly aware of the subtle signs that come with their frequent relocations, this shift is about to unveil a whirlwind of dramatic revelations, budding romances, and unexpected neighbors such as a local nunnery.

In this eccentric household, not everything is as it seems. Charlotte harbors a fervent obsession with religion and aspires to become a nun, while her sister Kate (Betsy Townsend) seems to reside more in the school swimming pool than at home, garnering awards and accolades at every turn. Meanwhile, their mother, Rachel, epitomizes the phrase ‘living in the moment’; she is selfish, self-absorbed, and entangled in a series of promiscuous endeavors. The very mention of Charlotte’s father is shrouded in mystery, as Rachel chooses silence about her one-night stand, who also conveniently happens to be the thief of her prized car.

As the narrative unfolds, Rachel finds herself smitten with Lou, a charming and delightful shoe store owner. Could this potential romance signal a departure from her commitment issues, or will Rachel inadvertently sabotage this blossoming relationship? Her journey takes an unexpected twist as Charlotte navigates yet another high school, where her heart becomes ensnared by Joe, the alluring handyman who also doubles as the church bell ringer and school bus driver. Despite the ten-year age gap, Joe’s experience is likely to shatter Charlotte’s innocence.

Tension escalates when Rachel’s attention begins to drift towards Joe, igniting a jealousy in Charlotte that complicates their mother-daughter relationship. The emotional stakes rise as secrets unravel and connections deepen, leaving one to wonder: what tragedies await the ever-enthusiastic Kate (Caroline McWilliams), and how will these intricate dynamics reshape their understanding of love, family, and personal growth? As the lines between passion and envy blur, the true essence of their intertwining lives emerges, leading to an unforgettable climax filled with heartache and discovery.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Mermaids (1990) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Move to a New Town

Rachel Flax and her two daughters relocate from the big city to a small town on the east coast. This move marks the beginning of significant changes in their lives as they adapt to a new environment and face unexpected challenges.

East Coast Town

Charlotte's Obsession with Religion

Charlotte, the 16-year-old daughter, becomes deeply interested in religion and expresses her desire to become a nun. This decision reflects her internal struggles and the desire for stability amidst the chaos of their family life.

Kate's Competitive Spirit

Kate, the younger daughter, immerses herself in school activities and spends much of her time at the swimming pool. Her talent in swimming leads her to collect numerous awards, showcasing her determination to succeed despite their tumultuous family dynamic.

School Swimming Pool

Rachel's Romantic Misadventures

Rachel, characterized by her selfishness and commitment phobia, navigates her love life with mixed results. She soon meets Lou, a charming shoe store owner, and questions whether this relationship could signify true love or just another fleeting encounter.

Shoe Store

Charlotte's First Crush

In her new high school, Charlotte becomes infatuated with Joe, the local handyman who is significantly older. This crush represents a pivotal moment in her journey as she grapples with her feelings and the complexities of young love.

High School

Conflict Over Joe

As Rachel begins to flirt with Joe, the situation becomes tense. Charlotte feels envy and betrayal, leading to a complicated dynamic between the mother and daughter as they both vie for the attention of the same man.

Rachel's Past Haunts Her

Rachel reflects on her past relationships, including the one-night stand that resulted in Kate's father. This history weighs on her as she contemplates her current romantic prospects and struggles with her commitment issues.

Charlotte's Sexual Awakening

As Charlotte explores her feelings for Joe, she experiences her first forays into sexual maturity. This transition is significant and potentially challenging, as she stands at the crossroads of innocence and adulthood.

Kate's Unforeseen Tragedy

Amidst the tumultuous family situation, Kate faces her own struggles, leading to unforeseen tragedy. This event has a profound effect on the family dynamics, pushing them to confront their issues more deeply.

Reassessing Family Dynamics

As Rachel and her daughters navigate love, loss, and personal growth, they must reassess what it means to be a family. The challenges they face ultimately draw them closer but also force them to confront their individual desires and fears.

Final Confrontation

Tensions peak as Rachel and Charlotte confront one another about their feelings for Joe. This confrontation serves as a catalyst for both characters to evaluate their choices and the implications for their relationship.

New Beginnings

In the aftermath of their conflicts and revelations, Rachel and her daughters look towards new beginnings. They learn to embrace change, forge new paths, and heal, setting the stage for a hopeful future.

Characters

Explore all characters from Mermaids (1990). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Rachel Flax (Christina Ricci)

Rachel is a carefree and impulsive mother, navigating her own complicated love life while struggling to maintain stability for her daughters. Her self-absorption and commitment issues challenge her relationships, particularly with the charming Lou. Despite her flaws, Rachel's resilience and humor make her a captivating character.

💃 Free Spirit ❤️ Romantic 😔 Troubled

Charlotte Flax (Winona Ryder)

Charlotte is a conflicted 16-year-old, caught between her religious aspirations and budding desires. Her relationship with the older handyman Joe ignites feelings of jealousy and insecurity, especially as her mother flirts with him. Charlotte embodies the struggles of adolescence and the quest for identity.

✝️ Religious 💔 Innocent Love 😩 Conflicted

Kate Flax

Kate is the athletic and competitive younger sister, longing for recognition and success. Living in the shadows of her family's chaos, she deals with her own challenges while excelling at swimming. Her journey reflects the pursuit of accomplishment in a tumultuous environment.

🏊‍♀️ Ambitious 🌟 Talented 🟡 Unseen

Lou (Bob Hoskins)

Lou is a sweet and humorous shoe store owner who captures Rachel's heart. His charm and kindness provide a contrast to Rachel's tumultuous life, but their relationship is threatened by Rachel's fears of commitment. He represents a potential stability that Rachel yearns for.

👞 Charming ❤️ Supportive 🥳 Lighthearted

Joe

Joe is the alluring handyman and church bell ringer, serving as the object of both Charlotte's affection and Rachel's envy. His experience and charm bring excitement to Charlotte's life, but also complications, as he becomes intertwined in both mother and daughter's emotional dilemmas.

😎 Charismatic ❤️ Interest 😈 Temptation

Setting

Learn where and when Mermaids (1990) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1980s

Set in the 1980s, this period was marked by significant cultural shifts, particularly in terms of women's independence and family dynamics. It was a time when traditional values clashed with modern lifestyles, giving rise to various social challenges. Additionally, the increasing visibility of youth culture and the exploration of self-identity were prominent themes during this decade.

Location

East Coast Town

The movie takes place in a charming little town on the East Coast, known for its picturesque scenery and a close-knit community. It is a place where everyone knows each other, making the family's unconventional lifestyle stand out. The proximity to the sea adds a layer of beauty and tranquility, contrasting with the family's chaotic dynamics.

🏖️ Beach 🌆 Small Town

Themes

Discover the main themes in Mermaids (1990). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Heartbreak

The film explores the complexities of love, showcasing both youthful innocence and the tumultuous nature of adult relationships. Rachel's pursuit of love amidst her chaotic life contrasts with Charlotte's naive infatuations. The theme of heartbreak is prevalent as both characters navigate the emotional highs and lows that love brings.

🌀

Family Dynamics

Family plays a central role in the narrative, focusing on the unconventional relationships within Rachel's household. The contrasting life choices of Rachel, Charlotte, and Kate create a complex web of interactions, revealing the challenges of parenting and sibling rivalry. These dynamics drive much of the film's tension and humor.

⛪

Faith & Self-Discovery

Charlotte's obsession with religion and desire to become a nun highlights themes of faith and self-discovery. The film presents her internal struggle between her beliefs and the temptations of adolescence. This theme underscores the journey of finding one's identity amidst societal and familial expectations.

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