Mushrooms is a delightfully twisted black comedy from Australia.
This not-quite-cannibal tale tells the story of a couple elderly widows- one an agoraphobic; the other a raging kleptomaniac- who are just out there trying to survive...when sh*t starts to hit the fan.
Everything begins, when they start to look for a lodger to help cover the bills and make ends meet.
Upon posting a notice- advertising the availability of the room- their home is taken over by a bank robber, who is seeking to board there, discreetly, for the time being.
However, the police show up a short time later; looking for him. And one of the officers involved in the investigation- himself, approaching retirement- becomes so infatuated by one of the women; that he signs on to live in the free room- with hopes of getting a chance to woo her.
But there are clearly secrets buried in the gardens of these women's past...
Hence, why, when the officer accidentally gases the criminal to death...these ladies opt to cover up the crime, instead of coming clean. They fear the police will blame everything on them. And aren't too fond of coppers, generally.
Que the subtly twisted hilarity, as these two not-so-innocent old ladies, concoct a scheme to get rid of the body. And then further schemes to cover up their cover ups!!! Their ideas are actually quite clever...and productive!!! Eventually providing the film with it's title.
When all is said and done, it is really quite a mild film. But it is saturated with just enough black humour- so twisted- that it manages to keep you intrigued throughout. It's not often, that you find a film existing somewhere in the grey area between being a cannibal film; and not being a cannibal film at all.
Stylistically, it is really quite plain. But this only acts to compliment it's bizarre nature: as normality clashes with the extreme. I was a bit disappointed with the ending...which I felt was too mild. I thought they could have spun in something slightly more twisted; but it is certainly appropriate for what it is.
A fun little film. Worth a watch.
6.5 out of 10.
