The movie Throw Momma from the Train is a dark comedy released in 1987. It was directed by Danny DeVito, who also starred in the film alongside Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey. The story revolves around two characters Larry Donner and Owen Lift, who are both struggling in their personal lives.
Larry is a college writing professor whose ex-wife Margaret has stolen his book and his soul. He's behind on his alimony payments and is struggling to write his next novel. Owen is one of Larry's students, who is unsatisfied with his life and is constantly belittled and tormented by his mother.
One night, Owen watches the Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train and gets an idea. He suggests to Larry that they exchange murders so that Larry can get rid of Margaret and Owen can be free of his domineering mother. At first, Larry thinks Owen is joking, but he soon realizes that Owen is deadly serious.
Before Larry knows it, Owen has already taken steps to carry out the murder of Margaret. Larry frantically tries to stop Owen, but things quickly spiral out of control, and the two end up getting into a series of misadventures that lead to accidental deaths and misunderstandings.
Throughout the movie, Larry and Owen's characters are contrasted, with Larry representing the polished and successful man, and Owen representing the underdog who has been beaten down by life. The film is both dark and funny, with moments of absurdity and slapstick humor. Despite its premise, the movie ultimately conveys a message of empathy and understanding, showing that everyone has their own struggles and that nobody is perfect.