Crime,Comedy,Thriller,Horror
United States of America
Serial Mom is a 1994 American black comedy horror film, directed by John Waters. The film stars Kathleen Turner as Beverly Sutphin, a seemingly perfect, middle-class housewife who begins to lash out in violent and gruesome ways when her family's reputation is threatened by their neighbors and community.
After Beverly discovers that her neighbor Dottie Hinkle (played by Mink Stole) is receiving obscene phone calls, she takes it upon herself to confront Dottie and threaten her into silence. When a school teacher insults Beverly's son Chip (played by Matthew Lillard), she runs him over with her car. And when a clothing store clerk refuses to exchange a dress for her daughter Misty (played by Ricki Lake), Beverly bludgeons her to death with a leg of lamb.
As Beverly's crimes continue to escalate, her daughter Julie (played by L7 vocalist Donita Sparks) becomes suspicious of her mother's behavior and begins to investigate. Meanwhile, Detective Pike (played by Sam Waterston) is hot on Beverly's trail and quickly begins to piece together the evidence linking her to the murders.
The film is a commentary on the idea of the "perfect" image of the American family and the pressure to maintain that image, no matter what the cost. It also pokes fun at the media's obsession with true crime stories and the glamorization of notorious killers.
Serial Mom received positive reviews from critics for its dark humor and satirical take on the horror genre. It has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of John Waters' best films.
