“Drowning Mona 2000” is a quirky dark comedy mystery set in a small town full of eccentric characters. When the despised and hated town matriarch, Mona, is found dead in her car at the bottom of a river, everyone in town becomes a suspect. The investigation is led by bumbling police chief Wyatt Rash who sets out to find the killer. The film is full of twists and turns and unexpected revelations as secrets are uncovered and motives revealed. It’s like a game of Clue come to life with plenty of humor and a touch of black comedy thrown in for good measure.

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Review
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a good murder mystery never goes out of fashion. While we might not have Regency England to rely on for these twists and turns, we can turn to the comedy of errors that is “Drowning Mona.” Directed by Nick Gomez and released in 2000, this film may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, but it holds its own with its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and unexpected plot twists.
The story takes place in the fictional town of Verplanck, New York, where Mona Dearly (played by Bette Midler) has met her untimely demise by drowning in her car in a river. The local police department, led by Chief Wyatt Rash (Danny DeVito), immediately suspects foul play, as everyone in town seems to have had a motive to want Mona dead. From her estranged husband Phil Dearly (William Fichtner) to her disgruntled son Jeff Dearly (Marcus Thomas), everyone has a reason to see Mona out of the picture.
The plot thickens when it’s revealed that Mona’s car had faulty brakes, leading the investigation down multiple paths until finally converging on one individual who has been scheming all along.
The cast is nothing short of spectacular with Midler bringing her signature style to Mona and DeVito showing his comedic chops as Rash. The supporting cast also shines with standout performances from Fichtner and Casey Affleck as Bobby Calzone, one of Mona’s many enemies.
One particularly memorable scene involves Rash pulling over the entire town on suspicion of murder after discovering some crucial evidence. The dialogue crackles with wit and humor as each person tries to explain away their possible involvement while throwing suspicion onto someone else.
The film was praised for its score composed by Mark Mothersbaugh which added an additional layer of ambiance and charm to the already quirky setting.
“Drowning Mona” may not have set the box office alight upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following for its dark humor and unique take on the murder mystery genre.
The cinematography adds to the darkly comedic tone with its use of low-angle shots and close-ups on the characters’ expressions. The jazzy soundtrack provides a playful contrast to the otherwise morose setting.
However, like any film, “Drowning Mona” is not without its faults. Some critics have pointed out that certain characters are underdeveloped, leaving audiences wanting more from their motivations and personalities. Others have criticized the pacing of the film, claiming that it takes too long to get to the heart of the story.
Despite these criticisms, “Drowning Mona” remains a classic in its own right with memorable scenes that will make you laugh out loud and an unexpected plot twist at every turn. Its unique take on the classic murder mystery formula is sure to keep viewers entertained for years to come.
As Jane Austen once wrote, “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” but in “Drowning Mona,” we see how far people will go when their hearts are hardened by greed and revenge. The film’s message about the consequences of one’s actions is still relevant today as we navigate our own complicated relationships and desires.
In conclusion, “Drowning Mona” is a gem of a film that deserves more attention than it receives. Its witty dialogue, stellar cast, and unexpected twists make it a must-watch for fans of both comedy and mystery genres alike. So pour yourself a cup of tea (or something stronger), settle in for an evening of intrigue and laughter, and enjoy this modern-day classic tale of murder most foul.
Technical Data

- Runtime : 96
- Release : 2000-03-03
- Genre : Comedy, Crime, Mystery
- Cast : Danny DeVito as Chief Wyatt Rash, Bette Midler as Mona Dearly, Neve Campbell as Ellen Rash, Jamie Lee Curtis as Rona Mace, Casey Affleck as Bobby Calzone
- Crew : Monika Mikkelsen as Casting, Danny DeVito as Executive Producer, Michael Shamberg as Executive Producer, Stacey Sher as Executive Producer, Richard Pearson as Editor
- Popularity 9.344
- Budget : $6,000,000
- Revenue : $15,427,192
- Company : Neverland Films, Code Entertainment
- Summary : The recently deceased Mona Dearly was many things: an abusive wife, a domineering mother, a loud-mouthed neighbor and a violent malcontent. So when her car and corpse are discovered in the Hudson River, police Chief Wyatt Rash immediately suspects murder rather than an accident. But, since the whole community of Verplanck, N.Y., shares a deep hatred for this unceasingly spiteful woman, Rash finds his murder investigation overwhelmed with potential suspects.
- Tagline : The death of Mona Dearly wasn’t so much a whodunnit, as a who didn’t.