Little Shop of Horrors
dir. Frank Oz · 1986
Feature
Moral Ambiguity
Mood
Comedic / Dark
Look
vibrant colors with exaggerated set designs, blending camp aesthetics with horror elements
Structure
linear with musical interludes
Plot
Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's; a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker, Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for it’s supper.
Why watch
"Little Shop of Horrors" is a riotous blend of horror and comedy, where a nerdy florist's quest for love leads him to a bloodthirsty plant that sings its way into the hearts of audiences. With its vibrant visuals and catchy musical numbers, this cult classic serves up a deliciously dark satire on desire and ambition.
Cultural context
1980s urban malaiserise of cult cinemacritique of American consumerism