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

This film features mature themes including teenage sexual exploration and complex, non-traditional adult relationships. It requires a level of emotional maturity to navigate the characters' interpersonal conflicts and unconventional family dynamics.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

3/5

The film features a central plot point involving a teenager's romantic infatuation with an older man, including suggestive dialogue and scenes of intimacy. There is also mild sexual humor and discussion regarding relationships throughout the narrative.

Violence & Gore

1/5

The film contains very little physical conflict, primarily limited to a few moments of emotional outbursts and mild slapstick-style behavior. It is not an action-oriented film and lacks any graphic depictions of injury.

Profanity

3/5

The dialogue includes moderate profanity, featuring words such as 'sh*t' (infrequent) and 'h*ll' (occasional), mostly used during moments of frustration or casual conversation between family members.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

Characters are occasionally seen consuming alcohol in social settings, and there are minor references to smoking. These elements are portrayed as lifestyle choices for the adult characters rather than themes of substance abuse.

Frightening Scenes

1/5

There are no traditional scary moments, though there is some emotional intensity regarding the family's instability and the mother-daughter relationship dynamics. These scenes are dramatic in nature rather than frightening.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This is a story about a family trying to find their place in the world and learning that it is okay to be different and to have a complicated, non-traditional life.

Content Warnings

Suggestive situations
Parental neglect themes

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The film explores adolescent attraction toward older authority figures and portrays unconventional parenting choices. Expect adult-oriented dialogue and thematic content centered on emotional maturity.

What Kids Can Learn

Viewers can gain insights into the importance of empathy, honest communication within families, and the process of establishing personal boundaries.

Key Topics Discussed

Family dynamics
Coming of age
Identity

Why Parents Might Like It

The performances provide a poignant look at the difficulties of modern parenting and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

Emphasizes the necessity of self-acceptance and the value of reconciling family differences. It promotes the idea that individual growth often comes from embracing one's unique identity rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Positive Role Models

3/5

Characters are flawed and realistic rather than idealized, showcasing the messy, often contradictory nature of human behavior. While not perfect, they demonstrate the courage to confront personal biases and evolve through introspection.

Diverse Representations

2/5

No diverse representation of marginalized groups indicated in available information; features a standard nuclear-adjacent cast centered on conventional demographics.

Educational Value

2/5

Encourages social-emotional growth by prompting discussions on family communication, teenage independence, and the complexities of adult relationships.

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