Mermaids

 

Mermaids 1990

• Director: Richard Benjamin
• Cast: Cher, Winona Ryder, Bob Hoskins, Christina Ricci, Michael Schoeffling·       
• Why? I remember liking it.
• Seen: Once before. Now 25 December 2025      

       Fifteen-year-old Charlotte (Ryder) is a devout Christian (though her mother Mrs Flax (Cher) insists that they’re Jewish non-believers) and suffers dreadfully from her impure thoughts, especially after meeting the hunky neighbour guy Joe (Schoeffling).

       Mrs Flax likes men, stylish clothes and having a good time. Every time things get complicated they move. Which happens often.

       Charlotte prays that her long-gone father will find them.

       It’s the early 60s. ‘Johnny Angel’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ are on the radio.

       They meet the local shoe salesman, Lou (Hoskins). And he becomes a part of their lives.

       It’s funny, sad, melancholy, filled with anger and longing and love. The cast is terrific, especially Ryder. Even tiny Ricci is good as the precocious little sister.

       I still like it. A lot. 

4 * of 5