Kathleen Turner – “Serial Mom” (1994)
You can probably tell why we chose this by the title alone. “Serial Mom” is John Waters’ scathing suburban satire (doesn’t that describe every Waters movie?) about a cookie cutter mother who unbeknownst to her family is a serial killer. Unlike other mothers on this list, Beverly R. Sutphin vents her frustrations through abusing others rather than her own family. Played by Kathleen Turner, Beverly takes any small gripe against her family as an excuse for vigilante “justice.” Picture your mother going to a PTA meeting and talking to your math teacher. Cringy I know, but keep reading. That very same teacher tells your mother that you have an off-kilter interest in slasher films and suggests therapy. The guy’s a jerk, but we’ve all met that teacher along the way. What would your mother do? Shirk it off, speak with you about your gory taste affecting your school work or murder said teacher? If it’s the third one, we are very sorry for you and you should contact the authorities. This is exactly what Mrs. Sutphin does and continues to do until the cops finally catch up with her. Not the most stable of maternal figures, Beverly’s keepsakes include Ted Bundy audio and Charles Manson clippings. Although she takes her family very seriously, a general rule of thumb is that a serial killer does not a good mother make. Therefore, Beverly is a wicked Waters delight, but a truly horrible mother.
Mo’Nique – “Precious” (2009)
Mothers and daughters squabble from time to time; it’s a fact. Some cross words may be exchanged, some venting of frustration, but has your mother ever tried to kill you with a television? No? Then you can see why Mary Lee Johnston (Mo’Nique), mother of Precious (Gabourey Sibide), has made it onto this list. Unfortunately, that’s only one instance in a long, long string of Mary’s poor mothering and negligence. Her abuse ranges from the physical to the emotional (“You’re a dummy, bitch! You will never know shit! Don’t nobody want you, don’t nobody need you!”). Things are only compounded when you realize that Precious’ child (Mary’s grandchild) is the offspring of her own father. Contrary to general conceptions of maternal instinct, Mary sees this as Precious’s fault and views her own daughter as the “other woman.” Rather than protecting her child, Mary attacks and harangues her. As Precious tries to make a better life for herself, her mother is there to dash any and all hope. No sympathy, no compassion, no guidance. Mary is not a mother, but a monster, made even worse by her attempts to justify herself and her actions to a social worker. Her tears, although heartfelt, are too little, too late and have no impact on her role as a mother. Be thankful this Mother’s Day that your mother hasn’t knocked you out cold with an ashtray, yet.
Any bad mamas out in cinema land that make your skin crawl? Share them with us below!