Mermaids

Mermaids

Movie • 1990

Mom is many things... normal isn't one of them.

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.

Comedy
Drama
Romance
110 minutes
Released

Bara says...

Ages 14+, but every child is different

The film features mature themes including teenage sexual exploration and complex family dynamics. It is best suited for older teens who can handle discussions regarding budding sexuality and unconventional parenting styles.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

3/5

The film features a central plot point involving a teenage girl's infatuation with an older man, including suggestive dialogue and situations. There are also references to romantic relationships and some passionate kissing.

Violence & Gore

1/5

There is very little physical conflict in the movie, though one character experiences a health-related emergency that is handled in a non-graphic, dramatic manner.

Profanity

3/5

The dialogue includes moderate usage of mild swear words, such as "h*ll" (several times), "d*mn" (several times), and "sh*t" (infrequent, used in moments of frustration).

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

Characters are occasionally seen consuming alcohol at social events or in the home environment, and some smoking is present as part of the period setting.

Frightening Scenes

2/5

The intensity comes from emotional outbursts and family arguments rather than scary content. Younger viewers may find the domestic tension and the mother's unpredictable behavior slightly stressful.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This is a story about a family learning how to get along even when they act very differently and struggle to understand each other.

Content Warnings

Romantic situations involving a minor

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The movie explores the transition from childhood to adulthood, focusing on a teenage girl's perspective on romance and her mother's non-traditional lifestyle.

What Kids Can Learn

Teenagers can gain insight into the complex reality of parents as individuals with their own needs and mistakes, fostering a more nuanced view of authority figures.

Key Topics Discussed

Adolescent development
Parent-child relationships
Finding identity

Why Parents Might Like It

It offers a relatable, often humorous look at the friction between maternal expectations and the desire for stability during the turbulent teen years.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

The narrative emphasizes the necessity of radical self-acceptance and the long-term benefit of open communication between parents and children.

Positive Role Models

3/5

While the characters are flawed and frequently make impulsive choices, their journey toward vulnerability and mutual respect provides realistic lessons in emotional maturity.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No diverse representation beyond the primary family unit indicated in available information.

Educational Value

2/5

Provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges of adolescence, shifting life priorities, and the importance of empathy within the family unit.

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