Mental (2012)
A wildly unconventional nanny crashes into a struggling Australian family and turns everything upside down in this darkly funny, heartfelt comedy-drama.
Mental - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mental
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: P.J. Hogan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 4, 2012 (Australia), March 29, 2013 (United States - NR), November 16, 2012 (United Kingdom), October 25, 2012 (New Zealand), June 4, 2015 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Una loca familia (MX)
- Production Companies: Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, Zucker Productions, Story Bridge Films
- Production Countries: Australia, United States of America
Mental - Plot
A charismatic, crazy hothead transforms a family's life when she becomes the nanny of five girls.
Mental - Trailer
See the chaos and charm of Shaz in action — watch the official trailer:
Every family is a little bit mental.
Where to Watch Mental
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Mental - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- P.J. Hogan
Main Cast
- Liev Schreiber
- Toni Collette
- Caroline Goodall
- Anthony LaPaglia
- Kerry Fox
- Rebecca Gibney
- Hayley Magnus
- Nicole Freeman
- Chelsea Bennett
- Bethany Whitmore
Writers
- P.J. Hogan
Mental - FAQs
Who plays the nanny Shaz in Mental?
Toni Collette plays Shaz, the wild and unpredictable nanny at the heart of the story. Collette brings enormous energy and warmth to the role, and her performance is widely considered the film's standout element — funny, fierce, and surprisingly moving all at once.
What is Mental (2012) about?
Mental follows the Moochmore family — five daughters left to fend for themselves when their mother is hospitalized. Their father impulsively hires a free-spirited hitchhiker named Shaz as their nanny. Equal parts chaotic and tender, the film explores mental health, family dysfunction, and the healing power of unconventional love.
Is Mental based on a true story?
Mental is not based on a specific true story, but writer-director P.J. Hogan has spoken about drawing on personal experiences growing up in Australia. The film reflects semi-autobiographical themes around family, mental illness stigma, and suburban life, giving it an emotional authenticity that feels deeply personal.
Where can you watch Mental online?
You can watch Mental by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so finding a way to stream or download it for a night in should be pretty straightforward.
Who directed Mental (2012)?
Mental was directed by P.J. Hogan, the Australian filmmaker best known for Muriel's Wedding (1994) and My Best Friend's Wedding (1997). Hogan also wrote the screenplay, and the film marks a return to his Australian roots with a similarly offbeat, emotionally rich sensibility.
What is the age rating for Mental?
Mental is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. The film deals with adult themes including mental illness, dysfunctional family dynamics, and some coarse humor, so it's best suited for mature audiences. Parents may want to preview it before watching with younger viewers.
When was Mental released in theaters?
Mental premiered in Australia on October 4, 2012, followed by a New Zealand release on October 25, 2012, and a UK release on November 16, 2012. It reached US audiences on March 29, 2013, and later opened in South Korea on June 4, 2015.
What movies are similar to Mental (2012)?
If Mental struck a chord with you, you might enjoy Sybil (2007), Manic (2001), or They Might Be Giants (1971) for similarly unconventional takes on mental health. For quirky comedy-drama vibes, Juniper (2021), Bye Bye Morons (2020), and Sweetheart (2019) are also worth a look.
More About Mental
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