Mermaids
Performance & Direction: Mermaids Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mermaids features a noteworthy lineup led by Cher . Supported by the likes of Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Mermaids (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Mermaids
Quick Plot Summary: Mermaids is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that 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 and narrative structure.
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 film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags 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. The 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
Ending Breakdown: Mermaids concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Mermaids reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Mermaids?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or 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.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Mermaids stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
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.
