Drowning Mona Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Everyone in a small town drives a Yugo and hates Bette Midler so much that when she dies in a Yugo accident, it’s less about ‘who done it’ and more about ‘who *didn’t* want her dead’.

🍿 Drowning Mona: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Death of Mona Dearly

The film opens with the death of Mona Dearly, a universally disliked woman in the small town of Verplanck, New York. While attempting to drive her son’s Yugo, the brakes fail, sending her car careening into the Hudson River. Her death is immediately suspicious, as Mona was not known for her careful driving, and nearly everyone in town had a reason to want her gone. The local police chief, Wyatt Rash, begins an investigation to determine if her death was an accident or a carefully planned murder. The town of Verplanck is characterized by its reliance on Yugo cars, a quirky detail that adds to the film’s dark comedic tone. Each character has a unique reason to resent Mona, from her abusive behavior to her interference in their personal lives and business dealings. Flashbacks reveal the extent of Mona’s unpleasantness and her negative impact on the community.

A Town Full of Suspects

Chief Rash’s investigation uncovers a multitude of potential suspects. Among them are Mona’s downtrodden husband, Phil, who is having an affair with a local waitress, Rona, and her dimwitted son, Jeff, who is also Bobby’s business partner. Bobby Calzone, engaged to Rash’s daughter Ellen, also becomes a suspect due to his constant conflicts with Mona over the landscaping business he runs with Jeff. As Rash digs deeper, secrets and resentments surface. The film explores the interconnected relationships within the town, revealing that nearly everyone had a motive to silence Mona. The investigation is complicated by conflicting testimonies, alibis, and the generally eccentric nature of the town’s inhabitants.

Twists and Turns

The plot thickens as Rash uncovers evidence of brake tampering and switched car keys. He learns that Bobby rigged Jeff’s car, but his plan went wrong when Mona took the vehicle instead. Phil expresses his gratitude to Bobby for killing Mona. Amidst the investigation Phil is found dead in a pond at the Charm Motel and Jeph is threatening suicide because of Rona’s leaving. With multiple suspects and escalating tensions, Chief Rash races against time to uncover the truth and prevent further tragedy. The film balances humor with suspense as it explores the dark side of small-town life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mona Dearly (Bette Midler): The spiteful and universally disliked woman whose death sparks a murder investigation in her small town.
• Chief Rash (Danny DeVito): The local police chief determined to solve Mona’s murder, despite a lack of help from the townsfolk.
• Ellen (Neve Campbell): Chief Rash’s daughter who is engaged to Bobby and planning her wedding amidst the murder investigation.
• Bobby (Casey Affleck): Ellen’s fiancé and a landscape artist who becomes a prime suspect in Mona’s death.
• Phil Dearly (William Fichtner): Mona’s husband who is having an affair and secretly happy about her demise.
• Rona (Jamie Lee Curtis): A chain-smoking waitress having an affair with Mona’s husband Phil, adding to the tangled web of suspects.
• Jeff Dearly (Marcus Thomas): Mona’s slow-witted son and Bobby’s business partner, who is also a suspect in his mother’s death.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chief Wyatt Rash: “My mother always used to say, ‘When life hands you potatoes, make potato salad!’” – Chief Rash says this when Mona complains how life handed her a pile of shit.
• Mona Dearly: “Yeah? Well life handed me a whole pile a’ shit! What am I supposed to make outta that?” – Mona retorts to Chief Rash about making potato salad when life hands you potatoes
• Will Ferrell: “I have seen people more upset over losing change in a candy machine” – The Mortician, Cubby, gives his thoughts on Mona’s Death.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,506,764
• Worldwide Gross: $15,910,104

💥 Drowning Mona Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching “Drowning Mona” years ago and being strangely entertained. The idea that an entire town wanted someone dead was hilarious to me. The film has its flaws, sure, but the cast really goes for it. I still chuckle at Bette Midler’s over-the-top portrayal of Mona. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a fun, quirky movie to watch when you’re in the mood for something a bit offbeat. The Yugos are classic too, always good for a laugh!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ensemble casts”
  • “Those interested in quirky, small-town mysteries”
  • “People who enjoy films with Bette Midler and Danny DeVito”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Alcohol and drug use”
  • “Adult themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “”Drowning Mona” drowns in its own murky humor. While the cast tries, the script’s lack of wit and sharpness leaves a lot to be desired. The movie’s premise promises a dark comedy, but it ultimately delivers a mediocre viewing experience.
• Rolling Stone: “Despite a promising concept and a talented ensemble, “Drowning Mona” fails to capitalize on its potential. The film’s dark humor is often forced, and the mystery unravels without much suspense. The performances are uneven, but the movie remains watchable for it’s dark charm.
• Variety: “”Drowning Mona” is an uneven blend of dark comedy and whodunit. The film’s humor is hit-or-miss, but the quirky characters and the small-town setting add to its charm. Danny DeVito shines as the down-to-earth police chief, making the film an okay watch overall.

Audience Reactions

Bette Midler’s performance as the detestable Mona Dearly is hilariously unforgettable.: Viewers appreciated the dark humor and the ensemble cast’s commitment to their roles.

The Yugo car jokes and small-town quirks provide a unique and comedic backdrop.: The film is appreciated for its originality and willingness to embrace unconventional humor.

Overall Consensus: A quirky dark comedy with a strong cast, but uneven humor makes it a polarizing film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The town in the movie is populated almost entirely with Yugo cars, a nod to the car’s initial test market being in the upstate New York area where the film is set.”
• “Will Ferrell’s role as the mortician was initially a small cameo, but his improvisational skills led to the character being expanded during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Drowning Mona?

As of October 2024, “Drowning Mona” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may vary depending on your region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Drowning Mona, you might like these similar films:

• Ruthless People (1986): Shares the dark comedic tone and features Bette Midler in a lead role in a black comedy.
• Fargo (1996): Both feature a crime investigation in a quirky small town setting with darkly comedic elements.
• Throw Momma from the Train (1987): Dark comedy with a plot centered on wanting to get rid of a particularly unpleasant character.
• Knives Out (2019): A more modern take on the whodunit genre with a darkly comedic tone and an ensemble cast.

🛒 Drowning Mona Related Products

• Drowning Mona [DVD]: Own a copy of this cult-classic black comedy. Great for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Drowning Mona Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. A unique piece of memorabilia that captures the essence of the film.
• The Best of Three Dog Night: Digital album featuring the iconic Three Dog Night songs from the movie soundtrack. Includes “Never Been to Spain” and more hits.

🎧 Soundtrack

Drowning Mona features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Never Been to Spain” – performed by Three Dog Night
• “One” – performed by Three Dog Night

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

keep Bette Midler away from the kitchen #DrowningMona #DannyDevito #BetteMidler #Shorts

Ever wonder what happens when Bette Midler gets near a kitchen in ‘Drowning Mona’? This hilarious clip shows you exactly why you should probably keep her away from sharp objects! It’s a chaotic and funny moment you won’t want to miss.

✨ Rate