Mental Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family’s life is turned upside down when a hitchhiker with questionable sanity becomes their nanny after their mom goes cuckoo from political drama and cheating.

🍿 Mental: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Moochmore Family

The Moochmore family consists of five teenage girls and their overwhelmed mother, Shirley. Each of the daughters believes they suffer from a form of mental illness, leading to chaotic behavior. Their father, Barry, is a philandering politician, preoccupied with his career and largely absent from their lives, leaving Shirley to cope alone.

Shirley’s Breakdown and Shaz’s Arrival

Shirley, unable to manage her daughters and burdened by Barry’s infidelity, experiences a nervous breakdown. Barry has her committed to a mental hospital, deceptively telling his constituents she’s on ‘holiday.’ Left with five daughters he barely knows, Barry impulsively picks up a hitchhiker named Shaz and hires her as a nanny. Shaz is unconventional and fiery, but she brings a unique perspective to the family.

Shaz’s Unconventional Methods

Shaz uses unorthodox methods to help the Moochmore girls. She encourages them to embrace their eccentricities and challenge societal norms. Her blunt honesty and confrontational approach initially shock the family, but eventually, they begin to find strength and self-respect. Shaz’s own troubled past influences her methods, and she carries a copy of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a guide.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Shaz (Toni Collette): A crazy but charismatic hitchhiker who becomes the nanny for the Moochmore girls and transforms their lives.
• Barry (Anthony LaPaglia): The philandering politician husband and father who hires Shaz to care for his daughters after his wife’s breakdown.
• Shirley (Rebecca Gibney): The mother of the Moochmore girls who suffers a nervous breakdown due to her husband’s infidelity and her daughters’ perceived mental illnesses.
• Coral (Lily Sullivan): The eldest of the Moochmore daughters, who grapples with her own identity and relationships amidst her family’s chaos.
• Trevor (Liev Schreiber): The shark-obsessed owner of the water park where Coral works, who forms an unlikely bond with her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Shaz: “You are a cunt. You are the cuntiest cunt of all time. Admit your cunthood. It’s an irrefutable fact, like gravity.” – Shaz confronts Shirley, the mother, encouraging her to acknowledge her own negative behaviors and take responsibility.
• Shaz: “Everyone’s mental in Australia, darlin’. That’s why they sent us here.” – Shaz explains her unique perspective on what constitutes normality.
• Barry: “She’s on holiday.” – Barry’s lie to cover up the fact his wife is in a mental hospital.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $17,669
• Worldwide Gross: $4,446,852

💥 Mental Reviews

Personal Review

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘Mental,’ but it completely surprised me. Toni Collette is phenomenal, and the whole cast is incredible. The way they handled some pretty tough subjects with humor and heart was really amazing. The way Shaz goes about turning around a family who had no self respect and was looked down upon by neighbours and family was what the movie was really about. There were times I laughed so hard I cried. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Australian comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in films about mental health”
  • “People who appreciate quirky and unconventional stories”
  • “Toni Collette fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes (mental illness)”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic Weekly: “Mental balances quirky humor with serious themes, making for an unpredictable viewing experience. The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Toni Collette, but the film occasionally struggles with tonal consistency. However, it has an uplifting story with the courage to joke about issues such as mental illness, grief, homosexuality and absent Dads.
• Indie Film Spotlight: “Though Mental embraces absurdity with open arms, it also delivers a heartfelt message about acceptance and individuality. While the plot may be a bit scattered at times, the characters are rich and well-developed, making it a worthwhile watch. The casting was brilliant, the chemistry between the characters felt real, and the underlying issues and themes are very real so in amongst the comic genius, I shed a tear or two.

Audience Reactions

Toni Collette’s performance as Shaz is unforgettable and adds another dimension to the storyline, because it is her charm and honesty that adds to the brilliance of the film.: Viewers found the movie hilarious, witty and thought provoking, with the blend of comedy and seriousness proving to be the perfect combination.

Overall Consensus: Mental is a quirky, Australian dramedy that explores mental health with humor and heart, although some find the tonal shifts jarring, the strong performances and uplifting message resonate with many viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “P.J. Hogan, the writer and director, has stated that ‘Mental’ is partly autobiographical, drawing from his own experiences growing up with a mother who had mental health struggles.”
• “Toni Collette’s character, Shaz, was inspired by a real-life hitchhiker who was hired to care for Hogan’s family.”
• “The movie explores themes of mental illness, family dysfunction, and the societal pressure to conform to ‘normal’ standards.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mental?

Currently, “Mental” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as it may vary depending on your region. Consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray from online retailers for a physical copy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mental, you might like these similar films:

• Muriel’s Wedding (1994): Directed by P.J. Hogan, this earlier film shares a similar quirky Australian humor and themes of social awkwardness and finding oneself.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): This movie also features a dysfunctional family coming together on a road trip, dealing with individual quirks and supporting each other despite their differences.
• The United States of Tara (2009-2011): A TV series that explores mental health issues with dark humour. Tackles the impact of mental illness on family relationships.

🛒 Mental Related Products

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5): Understand what the character of Shaz used as her ‘bible’. It is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States and worldwide.
• Australia Outback Hat: Get that true blue Aussie outback look, just like Shaz, with a classic outback hat. Great for outdoor adventures or just adding a touch of Aussie flair to your wardrobe.
• The Sound of Music (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Enjoy the complete soundtrack of the classic musical frequently referenced in ‘Mental’. Features iconic songs like ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and ‘My Favorite Things’.
• Great White Shark Tooth Necklace: Inspired by Trevor’s shark fascination, this necklace features a real great white shark tooth, making it a unique and conversation-starting piece.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Sound of Music” – performed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Real Psychologist Reviews Mental Illness In Movies

Ever wonder how accurately movies portray mental illness? A real psychologist breaks down some popular films and shares her expert opinion – it’s fascinating to see which ones get it right and where they fall short!

Top 10 Movies That Depict Mental Illness

Looking for more movies that tackle mental health issues? This top 10 list is a great starting point! Some of these films are classics, while others are hidden gems you might have missed.

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