Year: 1990
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
Five women unexpectedly discover they are mermaids and find themselves drawn to a thriving underwater world. As they navigate this new reality, they explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to embrace their true selves. The experience leads them on a journey of self-discovery and belonging within a vibrant and magical community.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Mermaids yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Mermaids (1990), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Moving is a forte for Rachel Flax (Christina Ricci), and her latest relocation is no exception. The family’s newest chapter finds them in a quaint town along the east coast, far removed from the bustling city life they once knew. With Rachel’s 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte (Winona Ryder), keenly aware of the subtle signs that come with their frequent relocations, this shift is about to unveil a whirlwind of dramatic revelations, budding romances, and unexpected neighbors such as a local nunnery.
In this eccentric household, not everything is as it seems. Charlotte harbors a fervent obsession with religion and aspires to become a nun, while her sister Kate (Betsy Townsend) seems to reside more in the school swimming pool than at home, garnering awards and accolades at every turn. Meanwhile, their mother, Rachel, epitomizes the phrase ‘living in the moment’; she is selfish, self-absorbed, and entangled in a series of promiscuous endeavors. The very mention of Charlotte’s father is shrouded in mystery, as Rachel chooses silence about her one-night stand, who also conveniently happens to be the thief of her prized car.
As the narrative unfolds, Rachel finds herself smitten with Lou, a charming and delightful shoe store owner. Could this potential romance signal a departure from her commitment issues, or will Rachel inadvertently sabotage this blossoming relationship? Her journey takes an unexpected twist as Charlotte navigates yet another high school, where her heart becomes ensnared by Joe, the alluring handyman who also doubles as the church bell ringer and school bus driver. Despite the ten-year age gap, Joe’s experience is likely to shatter Charlotte’s innocence.
Tension escalates when Rachel’s attention begins to drift towards Joe, igniting a jealousy in Charlotte that complicates their mother-daughter relationship. The emotional stakes rise as secrets unravel and connections deepen, leaving one to wonder: what tragedies await the ever-enthusiastic Kate (Caroline McWilliams), and how will these intricate dynamics reshape their understanding of love, family, and personal growth? As the lines between passion and envy blur, the true essence of their intertwining lives emerges, leading to an unforgettable climax filled with heartache and discovery.
Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36
Don't stop at just watching — explore Mermaids in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mermaids is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Mermaids with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Mermaids that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Mermaids (1990) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Mermaids (1990) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Mermaids – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Aquamarine (2006) Full Summary & Key Details
The Mermaid (2016) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Splash (1984) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Lure (2017) Story Summary & Characters
The Little Mermaid (2023) Complete Plot Breakdown
Scales: Mermaids Are Real (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Swim Little Fish Swim (2014) Full Summary & Key Details
Undine (2021) Complete Plot Breakdown
Sirens (1994) Movie Recap & Themes
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Little Fish (2006) Movie Recap & Themes
Ondine (2010) Full Movie Breakdown
Underwater (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Entanglement (2018) Movie Recap & Themes