Directed by
Jon Lucas
Made by
STX Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Bad Moms (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Amy Mitchell, portrayed by Mila Kunis, juggles her responsibilities as a married mother of two, Jane (Oona Laurence) and Dylan (Emjay Anthony). Overwhelmed by her commitments, Amy dedicates her energy to a fast-paced sales job at a trendy coffee company, meticulously prepares healthy lunches for her children, and actively participates in their school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which is led by the overbearing Gwendolyn James (Christina Applegate) alongside her friends Stacy (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Vicky (Annie Mumolo).
When Amy discovers her husband Mike (David Walton) cheating on her with a nude hooker online, she decides to throw him out and attempts to maintain some semblance of balance in her life. After a particularly taxing day, Amy confronts Gwendolyn’s excessive bake sale plans and makes the bold decision to quit the PTA publicly. At a bar, she meets Carla (Kathryn Hahn), a free-spirited single mom, and Kiki (Kristen Bell), a stay-at-home mom who is envious of Amy’s boldness.
Their friendship soon reveals the underlying struggles each faces: Kiki contends with a domineering husband who places all childcare duties on her, while Amy and Kiki are taken aback by Carla’s laissez-faire parenting style. The three moms embark on a wild night out, igniting Amy’s desire to relax with her children—she takes them for joyrides in Mike’s classic car, indulges them with Arby’s, and encourages Dylan to develop independence by not catering to his every whim. Furthermore, Amy treats stressed-out Jane to a delightful spa day.
However, when Amy introduces store-bought doughnut holes for Gwendolyn’s bake sale, Gwendolyn retaliates by having Jane removed from the soccer team. Fueled by anger, Amy decides to challenge Gwendolyn for the position of PTA president. Although Amy’s initial meet-and-greet at her home draws minimal interest, the other moms quickly abandon Gwendolyn’s pretentious gathering after realizing it’s set to be an evening of lectures. Consequently, Amy enjoys a successful, raucous party at her place.
In desperation, Gwendolyn resorts to malicious tactics by framing Jane with drugs, which leads to her suspension from all extracurricular activities coinciding with Amy’s job loss. Both Jane and Dylan choose to stay with Mike, who offers an amicable divorce as they perceive their mother’s struggles as failures. Amidst all of this, Amy finds herself without a job, with her younger boss failing to empathize with her situation.
However, a wave of determination ignites within Amy due to the support of Carla and Kiki, who finally steps up to her husband. At the PTA election, Amy gives an inspiring speech about the challenges faced by moms everywhere, advocating for the need to unwind, lessen stress, and accept imperfections. Triumphing in the election, she ends up comforting Gwendolyn, who reveals that her insistence on controlling the PTA stemmed from her own frustrations over her husband’s scandals.
Weeks later, Amy’s advocacy results in a more balanced life for everyone: Jane experiences less stress, Dylan shows more initiative, Kiki demands shared responsibilities from her husband, and Carla becomes more engaged as a parent. Amy herself finds new employment with improved pay after her boss recognizes her value, and she continues to connect with Jessie (Jay Hernandez), a charming widower she met earlier. Even Gwendolyn begrudgingly acknowledges the merit in Amy’s methods and invites her, Carla, and Kiki for a luxurious day aboard her husband’s private jet.
As the credits roll, viewers are treated to interviews of the cast with their real-life mothers, offering a heartfelt conclusion to this relatable journey.
Track the key events of Bad Moms (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Amy's Life
Amy Mitchell, portrayed by Mila Kunis, is introduced as a married mother juggling her responsibilities. She is overwhelmed by her fast-paced job and her commitments to her children, Jane and Dylan, which sets the stage for her struggles ahead.
The Discovery of Infidelity
Amy discovers her husband Mike cheating on her through a shocking online encounter. This pivotal moment leads Amy to confront the reality of her marriage, prompting her to throw Mike out and reassess her life.
Confronting the PTA
After a particularly taxing day, Amy confronts Gwendolyn James about the ridiculous bake sale obligations. In a moment of rebellion, she publicly quits the PTA, marking a significant shift in her character and priorities.
Meeting New Friends
At a bar, Amy meets Carla, a free-spirited single mom, and Kiki, a stay-at-home mom who envies Amy's newfound freedom. This marks the beginning of a supportive friendship that helps them all deal with their respective struggles.
A Wild Night Out
The trio indulges in a wild night out, during which Amy decides to let loose and enjoy time with her children. They go on joyrides in Mike's classic car and treat themselves with Arby's, reflecting a shift towards a more relaxed parenting style.
The Bake Sale Incident
Amy brings store-bought doughnut holes to Gwendolyn's bake sale, which leads to severe consequences for her daughter, Jane. Gwendolyn retaliates and has Jane removed from the soccer team, igniting Amy’s anger towards the PTA's leadership.
Challenging Gwendolyn
Fueled by frustration and injustice, Amy decides to run against Gwendolyn for the PTA presidency. Her initial meet-and-greet garners little interest, but the momentum shifts when other moms abandon Gwendolyn's pretentious gathering.
Election Night Success
Amy throws a successful party that draws in moms seeking a break from Gwendolyn's uptight ways. This electrifying event marks a turning point in her campaign as she gains popularity and support from fellow mothers.
Descent into Despair
In a cruel twist of fate, Gwendolyn frames Jane for drug possession, resulting in her suspension from activities coinciding with Amy's job loss. This culmination of challenges has a profound effect on Amy's family dynamics, pushing her to the brink.
Rising Determination
Despite her overwhelming circumstances, Amy's determination is reignited by the support of her friends Carla and Kiki. Together, they rally and prepare for the PTA election, with a focus on changing the narrative for all mothers.
Inspiring Speech
At the PTA election, Amy delivers an impassioned speech addressing the struggles faced by mothers everywhere. She advocates for the importance of self-care and accepting imperfections, inspiring many around her.
Victory in the Election
Amy triumphs in the PTA election, winning the respect and admiration of her fellow mothers. She then comforts Gwendolyn, who reveals her controlling behavior is rooted in her own frustrations, fostering understanding between them.
Positive Changes
Following her victory, Amy's efforts lead to a more balanced life for her children and friends. Jane faces less pressure, Dylan becomes more independent, and Kiki demands shared responsibilities from her husband.
New Beginnings
Amy begins a new job with better pay and discovers newfound confidence in her abilities. She also maintains a budding connection with Jessie, a charming widower from earlier, hinting at romantic possibilities.
Conclusion and Reflection
As the credits roll, viewers witness heartfelt interviews with the cast and their mothers, encapsulating the film's themes of motherhood and friendship. This touching finale brings a relatable conclusion to Amy's journey.
Meet the characters that bring Bad Moms (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis)
Amy Mitchell is a devoted mother who grapples with overwhelming responsibilities and societal pressures. Initially portrayed as a perfectionist, her journey of self-discovery reveals her frustrations with her marriage and the PTA culture. With the support of her friends, Amy transforms into a bold advocate for a more relaxed approach to parenting.
Gwendolyn James (Christina Applegate)
Gwendolyn is the overbearing leader of the PTA, epitomizing the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers. Her character reveals a complex mix of insecurity and ambition, driven by her own marital issues. As the antagonist, she challenges Amy, but ultimately, her vulnerability is shown as her personal struggles come to light.
Carla (Kathryn Hahn)
Carla is a free-spirited, carefree single mother who encourages Amy to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. Her character adds humor and fun to the group, showcasing an unconventional approach to parenting. Carla’s boldness provides Amy with the support and motivation she needs to break away from societal norms.
Kiki (Kristen Bell)
Kiki is a stay-at-home mom who yearns for a change but feels confined by her husband's controlling nature. Her character represents the struggles many women face in asserting their independence. Throughout the film, Kiki learns to demand respect and support from her partner, embodying personal growth.
Uncover the settings of Bad Moms (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary
The story is set in modern times, reflecting current societal pressures on parents, particularly mothers. During this period, themes of work-life balance and the challenges of parenting are increasingly relevant, highlighting contemporary issues such as infidelity, mental health, and community dynamics.
Location
Suburban Neighborhood, Bar
The movie takes place in a typical suburban neighborhood, characterized by its family-focused environment and community activities, such as the PTA. This setting underscores the pressures of motherhood and the often overwhelming expectations placed on parents. Several pivotal scenes occur at a local bar, providing a contrast to the domestic challenges the main characters face.
Explore the core themes of Bad Moms (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Motherhood
The film explores the complexities of motherhood, showcasing the struggles and triumphs that come with raising children. Amy's journey reflects the challenges moms face in trying to balance personal aspirations with family responsibilities. It emphasizes the importance of community support among mothers and the acceptance of imperfection in parenting.
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Empowerment
A significant theme in 'Bad Moms' is empowerment, as Amy rises against societal expectations and embraces her own needs. The film encourages women to stand up for themselves, advocate for change, and redefine their roles as mothers. Through their friendship, the main characters inspire each other to seize control of their lives, illustrating the strength found in unity.
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