Mommie Dearest Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and More
by Kavitha
Updated Sep 06, 2023
Mommie Dearest Ending Explained
In the concluding scenes of "Mommie Dearest," the film encapsulates the lingering tension between Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter, Christina. Despite sporadic moments of understanding, Christina holds onto the belief that, in her own way, her mother loved her. However, when Joan succumbs to cancer in 1977, Christina and her brother, Christopher, attend the reading of her will, and their hopes for reconciliation are shattered.
The revelation that Joan has disinherited them both is a heart-wrenching and profound moment. It symbolizes the lasting legacy of love and conflict that has defined their lives, highlighting the enduring pain and abandonment they experienced throughout their tumultuous relationship with their famous mother.
This climactic ending serves as a poignant conclusion, leaving Christina and Christopher to grapple with the emotional aftermath of Joan's final act of estrangement. It underscores the film's central themes of maternal abuse, neglect, and the complex nature of love in the context of a troubled family dynamic. The ending of "Mommie Dearest" is a powerful portrayal of the deep emotional scars carried by the children of a Hollywood icon.
Mommie Dearest
"Mommie Dearest" is a 1981 biographical psychological drama directed by Frank Perry and starring Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford, Steve Forrest, Mara Hobel, and Diana Scarwid, with supporting roles by Xander Berkeley, Rutanya Alda, and Jocelyn Brando. The film is based on Christina Crawford's 1978 autobiography of the same name and delves into her and her brother Christopher's upbringing under their adoptive mother, actress Joan Crawford. It portrays Joan as an abusive, controlling, and manipulative figure who prioritizes her Hollywood career over her family.
The film's production was overseen by Christina Crawford's husband, David Koontz, and Faye Dunaway's then-boyfriend and future husband, Terry O'Neill. Paramount Pictures distributed the film, marking Joan Crawford's first appearance in a feature film for the studio.
Upon its release in September 1981, "Mommie Dearest" initially garnered attention for its intense performances and melodramatic style. However, Paramount later rebranded its marketing campaign, presenting the film as an unintentional comedy despite its dark subject matter. The film achieved international box office success, grossing $25 million against a $10 million budget.
Mommie Dearest Cast List
Actor/Actress
Character
Faye Dunaway
Joan Crawford
Diana Scarwid
Christina Crawford (adult)
Mara Hobel
Christina Crawford (child)
Xander Berkeley
Christopher Crawford (adult)
Jeremy Scott Reinbolt
Christopher Crawford (child)
Steve Forrest
Gregg Savitt
Howard da Silva
Louis B. Mayer
Rutanya Alda
Carol Ann
Harry Goz
Alfred Steele
Michael Edwards
Ted Gelber
Jocelyn Brando
Barbara Bennett
Priscilla Pointer
Margaret Lee Chadwick
Belita Moreno
Belinda Rosenberg
Alice Nunn
Helga
Mommie Dearest Plot
The film "Mommie Dearest" is a loose adaptation of Christina Crawford's memoir and chronicles the tumultuous relationship between Hollywood actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter, Christina. Joan's desire for motherhood leads her to adopt Christina and later Christopher, though she lavishes attention and luxury on Christina while enforcing strict discipline. As Joan's career soars with her Academy Award win for "Mildred Pierce," Christina is sent to Chadwick School but is later withdrawn after an incident. After a series of personal and professional ups and downs, including Joan's marriage to Pepsi Cola's president Alfred Steele, who later passes away, Christina establishes her own life as an actress in Manhattan.
Throughout the years, Joan and Christina's relationship remains strained, although there are occasional moments of connection. This comes to a head when Christina is hospitalized for an ovarian tumor, and Joan temporarily fills in for her on a soap opera. Despite lingering tensions, Christina believes they have moved past their troubled history, and she perceives her mother's love in her own way.
The film concludes with Joan's death from cancer in 1977, where Christina and Christopher, her adopted children, attend the reading of her will only to discover that they have been disinherited. This final act of estrangement underscores the enduring emotional scars of their complex and troubled relationship.
Where to Watch Mommie Dearest?
"Mommie Dearest," the biographical drama featuring Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, and Howard Da Silva, can be streamed on various platforms. You can stream "Mommie Dearest" on Max Amazon Channel, Max, and DIRECTV. If you're already subscribed to any of these platforms, you're all set to enjoy the movie.
Alternatively, you can buy or rent "Mommie Dearest" from various digital platforms such as Microsoft Store, AMC on Demand, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Redbox, and DIRECTV. This provides you with the flexibility to watch the film on your preferred device and at your convenience.
Mommie Dearest Ending Explained - FAQs
The central theme of "Mommie Dearest" is the tumultuous and abusive relationship between Hollywood actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter, Christina Crawford.
The film concludes with Joan Crawford's death from cancer in 1977. Christina and her brother, Christopher, attend the reading of her will and discover that they have been disinherited, marking a final act of estrangement.
The ending is significant because it symbolizes the enduring pain and abandonment Christina and Christopher experienced throughout their troubled relationship with their famous mother.
Key themes in "Mommie Dearest" include maternal abuse, neglect, the complex nature of love in a dysfunctional family, and the price of fame and success.
The film initially gained attention for its intense performances and melodrama but later became known for its cult following, despite receiving mostly negative reviews. It's often considered one of the worst films ever made and won several Golden Raspberry Awards.