Films sharing characteristics with Serial Mom typically blend dark humor with suburban satire and often incorporate elements of crime, thriller, and occasionally horror. These films explore the facade of normalcy in domestic settings, juxtaposing seemingly ordinary characters with shocking or violent behavior. Heathers, for instance, presents a darkly comedic critique of high school cliques and social dynamics through a lens of murder and mayhem.
This subgenre offers a unique perspective on societal expectations and the pressures of conformity. By using humor as a vehicle for social commentary, these films can explore complex themes related to family dynamics, consumerism, and the American Dream in a thought-provoking, albeit unsettling, manner. The emergence of this blend of genres in the late 20th century reflects a growing cultural fascination with true crime and a willingness to explore darker themes through the lens of satire.