Mermaids
Mermaids Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Mermaids
| Movie | Mermaids |
| Release Year | 1990 |
| Director | Richard Benjamin |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 110 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Mermaids (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Mermaids are led by Cher . The supporting cast, including Bob Hoskins and Winona Ryder , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Mermaids stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Mermaids has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Mermaids
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1990, Mermaids is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Richard Benjamin. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Cher.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Fifteen-year-old Charlotte Flax is tired of her wacky mom moving their family to a different town any time she feels it is necessary. When they move to a small Massachusetts town and Mrs. Flax begins dating a shopkeeper, Charlotte and her 9-year-old sister, Kate, hope that they can finally settle down. But when Charlotte's attraction to an older man gets in the way, the family must learn to accept each other for who they truly are. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Cher's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Mermaids
Mermaids Ending Explained: Directed by Richard Benjamin, Mermaids wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Cher. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Mermaids reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Mermaids?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Cher or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Mermaids
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $31.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $35.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Mermaids Budget
The estimated production budget for Mermaids is $31.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Mermaids
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Mermaids Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon ChannelMermaids Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Mermaids age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Mermaids is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Mermaids is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1990 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mermaids worth watching?
Mermaids is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Mermaids parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Mermaids identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Mermaids?
The total duration of Mermaids is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
