The romantic comedy musical “Mamma Mia!” hit theaters fifteen years ago in July. Since then, the fanbase has only expanded with love and enduring admiration for the film. Beneath the comedic plot are deeper themes of motherhood, individuality and positive female relationships. An essential part of this musical is undoubtably Swedish pop supergroup ABBA’s music, catered perfectly to each scene and the bigger plotlines. Down to the details of the characters, their wardrobe and the star-studded cast representing this fictional world – it’s no wonder the film holds an esteemed reputation.
The film is set in the Greek Islands, in a hotel run by Donna (Meryl Streep). Donna’s daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), is making wedding preparations for her marriage with Sky (Dominic Cooper). Sophie’s vision of a complete wedding includes a father. Despite not ever knowing her biological father, she makes it her mission to find out who he is. She tracks down three men from her mother’s past to invite her real father for the ceremony.
In this quirky, lighthearted plot, the serious themes and ABBA’s music are perfectly woven into the film. For instance, when Donna finds out all three men are checked into their hotel, she expresses her distress in the iconic number, “Mamma Mia.” Her iconic performance builds to the moment that she literally lands in front of all three for the first time in years.
With each song, “Mamma Mia!” has become a memorable presence, generating fan-favorite moments. Each key cast member contributes to the sixteen musical number, perfectly enhancing the plot. The “Dancing Queen” scene celebrates the friendship between Donna and her two best friends. The song has always been wildly popular as it is just as one of those ABBA tunes that will have you, just like the title intends, dancing. Sophie and Sky’s rendition of “Lay All Your Love On Me” remains a fan favorite. This beach performance is a quintessential scene in the film, especially with Sky’s alpha performance which he brings all the antics for and Sophie’s iconic one-piece bathing suit. Sky initiates the song to prove his commitment to her and their pending marriage. As a whole, the scene demonstrates the pair’s chemistry through the intimate eye contact and emotionally packed lyricism. Sky’s passion for Sophie and their relationship is potent and alive, through his final gesture on a speedboat.
One of the most appreciated elements from this musical is the mother-daughter relationship depicted in the film. The scenes that truly demonstrate Sophie and Donna’s relationship pulls at the heartstrings of viewers. Although the dialogue indicates the characters’ love for one another, the music greatly contributes to expressing that. Donna sings “Slipping Through My Fingers” to Sophie in a scene that could possibly have you in tears. As Donna sings the song to her daughter it becomes clear that she feels nostalgic about their shared memories. A montage of the two laughing together, Donna helping her daughter out and admiring her silhouette play into her reminiscing. The song speaks to the narrative of a mother realizing her daughter is growing up, connecting to the fact that Sophie is approaching her wedding date. The dawning realization of ‘growing up’ and themes of change between the two central characters reaches the viewers through the light-hearted soundtrack.
Once Sophie meets her three potential fathers, it’s hard for her to figure out who is actually the one. She feels a connection with each of them, and the movie does a beautiful job of never truly revealing who the “real” father is. Rather, Sophie accepts all three fathers, each as supportive as the last. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard – attached to this ensemble cast – play three distinct men in Donna’s past life and each eventual fathers to Sophie. As the film progresses, Sophie visibly bonds with each of her “dads” further emphasizing the inability to single one out. Each father-daughter relationship is just as believable as the next. Overall, the entire cast weaves together a perfect selection for each of the unique characters and the musical numbers.
Similar to the “Barbie” / “Oppenheimer” joint release – “Mamma Mia” did it first in 2008. The release of “Mamma Mia” was paired with the iconic “The Dark Knight” – ranking the musical in second place following the superhero film. Despite number of publications’ unkind reviews in relation to some of the actors’ singing – Brosnan’s criticism and negative comments from New York Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Miami Herald to name a few – the film maintained a good reputation with fans. Though many big-name critics for its time dished out negative reviews, the film has remained a staple musical for many. In fact, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” serves as a testimony to the blockbuster being held to a high regard.
Fifteen years of “Mamma Mia!” feels like the biggest deal for many fans of the musical. The combination of the film’s plot, the characters and the music will have you feeling warm with each rewatch. The film’s touching nostalgia encourages laughter, tears and dancing through each scene and song. For such a huge milestone, here is to hoping and dancing towards another fifteen years remembering this iconic musical, its beloved soundtrack and the cast.
