Mommie Dearest

The film opens with Joan Crawford, portrayed by Faye Dunaway, starting her day at dawn with an intense morning routine. Her obsessive behavior is highlighted as she scrubs her face and uses icy alcohol, reflecting her demanding nature and need for control.

Joan's perfectionism is on display when she loses her temper at her new maid for a minor error in cleaning. This scene reveals Joan's tyrannical tendencies and the atmosphere of fear she creates around her.

During a quiet moment with her boyfriend Gregg Savitt, Joan shares her longing for a child, reflecting on her heartbreaking past of seven miscarriages. This discussion underscores her desperation to build a family amidst her failing career.

After her unsuccessful attempts at adoption, Joan employs questionable tactics to finally have a baby, whom she names Christina Crawford. This event marks a significant turning point in her life as she strives to mold her new daughter.

The narrative shifts to Christina's early years, emphasizing Joan's simultaneous affection and harsh discipline. Despite Joan's extravagant celebrations, her manipulation and desire for control manifest in alarming ways, like donating most of Christina’s birthday gifts.

A seemingly innocent competition leads to an explosive confrontation between Joan and Christina. Joan lashes out at her daughter for a perceived lack of sportsmanship, showcasing the escalating tension in their relationship.

An incident at a restaurant triggers a critical turning point in Joan's relationship with Gregg, leading to their abrupt split. Joan’s irrational behavior spirals after the confrontation, marking the beginning of her deeper struggles.

In a fit of rage after being ousted from MGM, Joan destroys her cherished rose garden. This chaotic scene symbolizes her mental unraveling and serves as a dramatic visual representation of her crumbling life.

In a particularly chilling moment, Joan confronts a frightened Christina over a dress on a wire hanger, leading to a horrific display of aggression. This assault epitomizes Joan's abusive nature and the trauma inflicted on Christina.

As Christina matures into her teenage years, tensions between her and Joan escalate further. A confrontation over a harmless incident at school culminates in a violent fallout, vividly illustrating Joan’s controlling nature.

During a visit from a reporter, Christina and her brother challenge Joan about her motives behind their adoption and enduring abuse. This confrontation highlights the growing voices of the children against Joan's tyrannical rule.

Following a particularly violent episode, Christina is sent away to a convent school. This decision further distances her from Joan, forcing her to carve out her own path in life while dealing with the trauma of her upbringing.

Joan marries Alfred Steele, the CEO of Pepsi Cola, bringing a new dimension to her life filled with luxury yet marked by underlying controversies. This transition into a more opulent lifestyle does not alleviate her ongoing conflict with Christina.

Despite moments of reconciliation, Joan undermines Christina's aspirations by taking roles meant for younger actresses, reigniting their longstanding feud. This culminates in a shocking reveal of Joan's will, leaving Christina and Christopher disinherited.

In the aftermath of Joan's death, Christina contemplates writing a book to expose the truth of her childhood. With a newfound determination, she decides to reclaim her narrative and affirm that she and her brother will not allow their mother to have the final word.