Common Sense Media Review
'90s coming-of-age tale has sex, drinking, cursing.
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Mermaids
What's the Story?
In the enchanting and complex coming-of-age story MERMAIDS, Charlotte Flax (Winona Ryder), the nun-obsessed daughter of a Jewish mother. Mrs. Flax (Cher) is gutsy, creative, and enchanting -- and when things go poorly with her paramour, she skips town, preferring to start a new life in a new town. That's how the family ends up in Massachusetts, where Charlotte meets Joe (Michael Schoeffling), the resident of a convent. While she decides what to do about Joe, she copes with feelings about her absent father and spars with her strong-willed, promiscuous mom. Missteps and teen-sized mistakes ensue.
Is It Any Good?
Not only is Ryder's powerhouse performance spot-on and moving -- when she cries at the end of the film, the viewer is likely to, too. Mermaids isn't the one-note sex comedy of American Pie or the inspirational drama of Gracie. It's a film that turns the most painful years of many people's lives into entertainment -- realistic, sympathetic entertainment.
Charlotte has an inner monologue that's completely different from the one she shares with the world. In her head, she's thinking, "I kissed a boy and I think I might be pregnant." But when Mrs. Flax begs her to talk, all she can do is shrug and roll her eyes. What parents and teens won't be able to relate to this? Add on the fabulous performances of Bob Hoskins and Christina Ricci and you have an adorable and moving coming-of-age movie that's likely to be as prescient today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about coming-of-age movies. How is this movie similar to and different from other movies in which teenagers experience their first forays into adulthood?
This movie was based on a book. What would be the challenges in adapting a novel into a movie? How does the movie attempt to convey the innermost thoughts and feelings of the lead character?
How does this movie address topics like family, religion, sex, relationships, and growing up? How would the movie be different had it been set in current times?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 25, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : February 6, 2001
- Cast : Cher , Christina Ricci , Winona Ryder
- Director : Richard Benjamin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Moms , Single Parents ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 3, 2025
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