“Drowning Mona” is a 2000 dark comedy film directed by Nick Gomez. It revolves around the mysterious death of Mona Dearly (played by Bette Midler), a disliked resident of Verplanck, a small town in upstate New York. Here’s a detailed summary with all the spoilers revealed:
The film begins with the death of Mona Dearly, whose car drives off a cliff into a river. While the police initially believe it to be an accident, it soon becomes clear that foul play may be involved. Mona was widely disliked in Verplanck, with many residents having motives to see her dead.
Chief of Police Wyatt Rash (played by Danny DeVito) and his bumbling deputy, Feege (played by Peter Dobson), investigate Mona’s death. They interview various suspects, including Mona’s estranged husband, Phil Dearly (played by William Fichtner); Phil’s mistress, Rona (played by Jamie Lee Curtis); Mona’s dim-witted son, Jeff (played by Marcus Thomas); and her long-suffering daughter, Ellen (played by Neve Campbell).
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that almost everyone in Verplanck had a reason to want Mona dead. She was cruel, manipulative, and universally despised by the townspeople. Each suspect has a motive, whether it’s financial gain, revenge, or simply wanting to be rid of Mona’s toxic presence.
The plot thickens as more secrets are revealed, including Mona’s involvement in insurance fraud schemes and her mistreatment of her family and neighbors. The police struggle to untangle the web of lies and deceit surrounding Mona’s death, with each suspect offering conflicting alibis and explanations.
In the end, it is revealed that Mona’s death was not accidental but rather a result of a botched murder plot orchestrated by Phil and Rona. They had planned to stage Mona’s death as an accident, but their plan went awry, leading to Mona’s untimely demise.
As the truth comes to light, the residents of Verplanck are relieved to be rid of Mona, whose death ultimately brings closure and peace to the town. Chief Rash and his deputy close the case, and life in Verplanck returns to normal, albeit without Mona’s disruptive presence.
“Drowning Mona” is a darkly comedic whodunit that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. With its eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists, the film offers a satirical take on small-town politics and the lengths people will go to in order to get rid of an unwanted nuisance.