Watch Mermaids

Mermaids is a heartwarming comedy-drama that was released in 1990. The film stars the talented trio of Cher, Bob Hoskins, and Winona Ryder, who give standout performances that make this movie a joy to watch. Set in the small coastal town of Eastport, Massachusetts in the 1960s, the coming-of-age story centers around a mother and her two daughters who are trying to find their place in the world.

Cher plays Rachel Flax, a free-spirited single mother who moves her family around frequently in search of the perfect life. She is a bit of a wild card, with a penchant for dating inappropriate men and a tendency to smash her car into the town's signage. Despite her flaws, Rachel loves her daughters, Charlotte (Winona Ryder) and Kate (Christina Ricci), fiercely and will do anything to provide them with a good life.

Charlotte is a smart and sensitive 15-year-old girl who is struggling to come to terms with her own beliefs and values. She is grappling with her Catholic faith, her budding sexuality, and her mother's unpredictable behavior. Winona Ryder delivers a powerful performance as a troubled teenager who is trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs in the world.

Kate is Rachel's youngest daughter, a quirky and adorable 9-year-old girl who is obsessed with Jesus and wants to become a nun. Christina Ricci, in her debut film role, gives a standout performance as the precocious little girl who has trouble fitting in with the other kids her age.

The story follows the Flax family's struggle to make a home for themselves in this small New England town. Rachel begins dating a local handyman named Lou Landsky (Bob Hoskins), who is madly in love with her. Although Lou is a good man with a heart of gold, Rachel isn't sure if she is ready for a committed relationship. Meanwhile, Charlotte falls for a local boy named Joe Peretti (Michael Schoeffling), who is Jewish and from the "wrong side of the tracks." As their relationship heats up, Charlotte is forced to confront her own prejudices and decide what kind of person she wants to be.

Mermaids is a beautifully shot movie that evokes a strong sense of time and place. The small town of Eastport is captured in all its gritty charm, from the dilapidated homes to the sun-bleached beaches. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring an eclectic mix of '60s hits and original music by composer Jack Nitzsche.

At its core, Mermaids is a story about love, family, and self-discovery. The film handles weighty themes such as identity, faith, and sexuality with sensitivity and nuance, never shying away from difficult conversations. The bond between the Flax women is especially touching, with Cher, Ryder, and Ricci delivering powerful performances that highlight their characters' vulnerabilities and strengths.

Overall, Mermaids is a must-see film that has stood the test of time. It is a poignant and hilarious exploration of what it means to be a family, a woman, and a person searching for their place in the world.

Mermaids is a 1990 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 56.