Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is the musical sequel (and partly prequel) to the 2008 hit Mamma Mia!. Directed by Ol Parker, the film combines the upbeat music of ABBA with heartfelt family drama, humor, and romance, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of a Greek island.

Detailed Summary

Sophie’s Big Project

The film takes place five years after the events of the first movie. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is renovating her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) beloved villa into the “Hotel Bella Donna.” Her dream is to reopen it in Donna’s memory, but she faces doubts, loneliness, and complicated feelings about running the place without her mother’s guidance.

Flashbacks to Young Donna

The movie frequently shifts into the past, following young Donna (Lily James) in the late 1970s. After graduating, she sets off on a journey to find herself. She meets Harry (Hugh Skinner), Bill (Josh Dylan), and Sam (Jeremy Irvine) – the three men who all become part of Sophie’s family history. These sequences show how Donna ended up on the Greek island, how she fell in love with the place, and how her story began.

Sophie’s Struggles

Meanwhile in the present, Sophie is overwhelmed. Sky (Dominic Cooper) is away in New York, their relationship is strained, and a storm threatens to ruin the hotel’s opening night. She feels isolated, questioning whether she can live up to her mother’s strength.

Family and Friends Arrive

Just as Sophie begins to lose hope, her family and friends arrive: Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) provide comic relief and encouragement. Harry and Bill also rush back to support her. Sophie discovers she is pregnant, mirroring Donna’s story decades earlier.

Movie Ending

The film culminates in an emotional and celebratory finale. The hotel’s grand reopening turns into a vibrant event full of music, dancing, and love. Sam reveals how deeply he still loves Donna, and the villagers honor her legacy.

The most powerful moment comes when Sophie, now pregnant, feels her mother’s presence. Meryl Streep returns in a poignant sequence as Donna’s spirit, singing “My Love, My Life” alongside Sophie. It’s an emotional farewell and blessing for Sophie as she steps into motherhood.

The final scene fast-forwards to Sophie’s baptism of her baby, surrounded by all her loved ones. Donna’s spirit is felt again, creating a sense of continuity across generations. The movie closes with a massive group performance of “Super Trouper” featuring both the younger and older casts together on screen.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes. During the credits, there are extended musical numbers and comedic moments, including a fun scene with Cher (who plays Ruby Sheridan, Sophie’s grandmother) and other cast members. It’s lighthearted and more like a bonus curtain call than an additional plot development.

Type of Movie

This is a musical romantic comedy-drama, blending flashback storytelling with catchy ABBA songs. It’s equal parts heartfelt tribute and campy sing-along fun.

Cast

• Amanda Seyfried as Sophie Sheridan
• Lily James as Young Donna
• Meryl Streep as Donna Sheridan (present in flashback/spiritual form)
• Pierce Brosnan as Sam Carmichael
• Colin Firth as Harry Bright
• Stellan Skarsgård as Bill Anderson
• Christine Baranski as Tanya
• Julie Walters as Rosie
• Cher as Ruby Sheridan
• Dominic Cooper as Sky
• Jeremy Irvine as Young Sam
• Josh Dylan as Young Bill
• Hugh Skinner as Young Harry

Film Music and Composer

The movie features classic ABBA hits like “Fernando”, “Dancing Queen”, “One of Us”, and “When I Kissed the Teacher.” The music was supervised and produced by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA themselves), ensuring authenticity.

Filming Locations

Filming took place primarily on Vis, Croatia, which stood in for the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. The sun-drenched scenery, crystal-clear waters, and rustic architecture enhance the film’s romantic, carefree mood.

Awards and Nominations

• People’s Choice Awards 2018 – Nominated for Favorite Comedy Movie
• National Movie Awards – Recognized for its ensemble cast and music
• Though not a major awards contender, it was celebrated for its feel-good performances and box office success.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Lily James recorded her vocals live for some sequences to capture authenticity.
• Cher was cast as Ruby despite being only three years older than Meryl Streep in real life.
• Pierce Brosnan toned down his singing compared to the first movie after fan reactions.
• Amanda Seyfried has said that filming the mother-daughter duet with Meryl Streep was one of the most emotional moments of her career.

Inspirations and References

The movie is inspired by the ABBA songbook, continuing the tradition of building a narrative around their catalog. It also expands on the themes of the original Mamma Mia! stage musical, emphasizing legacy, motherhood, and family.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings, but several songs were filmed and cut for pacing, including extended versions of “When I Kissed the Teacher” and “I Wonder (Departure).” Some deleted scenes were later included in DVD extras.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not adapted from a traditional book but is based on the Mamma Mia! musical stage show. The movie sequel creates its own prequel storyline not present in the original musical.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Young Donna performing “When I Kissed the Teacher” at her graduation.
• Sophie singing “One of Us” in a duet with Sky, reflecting their long-distance struggles.
• Cher’s grand entrance as Ruby Sheridan, singing “Fernando.”
• Donna’s emotional return as a spirit in the chapel scene.

Iconic Quotes

• Donna (to Sophie): “Your mother is always with you.”
• Tanya: “Be still, my beating vagina.”
• Ruby Sheridan: “That’s the best kind of party, little girl — one you weren’t invited to.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Cher’s song “Fernando” was specifically written into the script as a nod to ABBA’s 1976 hit.
• The baptism scene mirrors the christening imagery in ABBA’s song lyrics.
• Both casts (younger and older versions) appear together in the finale, symbolizing continuity across time.

Trivia

• This is technically both a sequel and a prequel.
• Cher’s performance of “Fernando” was released as a single.
• The film grossed over $400 million worldwide, proving the ABBA magic was still alive.
• Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård improvised several of their comedic moments.

Why Watch?

Because it’s sunshine bottled in a movie. If you love ABBA, heartfelt musicals, or just want two hours of joy mixed with tears, this film is a perfect watch. It’s lighter than many musicals yet packs a surprisingly emotional punch in its finale.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) – writer
• The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) – writer
• Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is Ol Parker’s most famous directing credit.

Recommended Films for Fans

• Mamma Mia! (2008)
• The Greatest Showman (2017)
• La La Land (2016)
• Across the Universe (2007)
• Rocketman (2019)