by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
When a movie is as talked about as The Little Mermaid, it’s almost a relief when it finally does release and we can see whether all the discourse surrounding the property has been worth it. I’m not even talking about whether it ends up being a movie of quality or not; more whether the memory of its existence will remain in the cultural consciousness for a reason to do with the actual movie.
The Little Mermaid is one that certainly inspired much discourse. Whether it was to do with the fact that another beloved Disney property was about to be adapted into a possibly lifeless version of its former self, the casting, or of course the visual effects decision to have our movable animal sidekicks resemble their real-world versions, rather than a more friendly, cartoonish versions.
The point is that there was a lot riding against this one, resulting in me going into the theater with extremely tempered expectations.
For those who somehow have no idea what this movie is even about, Rob Marshall’s fish fairytale follows Ariel (Halle Bailey), who makes a deal with a sea witch in order to discover the world above water and impress a prince.
Would you be surprised to learn that this movie is, in fact, good? I was. Sitting at a runtime of about an hour longer than the original, it managed to impress, inspire emotion, and keep me thoroughly engaged for the entire two-and-a-bit hours. I should also mention that the original 1989 film is one of my two most favorite Disney movies of all time (the other being 1991’s Beauty & the Beast). I desperately wanted to be a mermaid for a significant portion of my childhood, so I was very worried that I wasn’t going to feel that same love — or any kind of emotion — when the credits rolled here.
However, I’m happy to say that this is not the case.
Let’s start with the biggest cause of conversation: the casting, specifically to do with one red-headed mermaid. Bailey was an inspired choice; there’s no two ways about it. The moment she began singing “Part of Your World” in cinema, I felt chills go up my spine and tears begin to prick my eyes. That moment had me so enraptured and convinced in her as Ariel that everything from that moment flowed easily. Besides the singing, Bailey also brings an impish cheekiness to Ariel’s character that has you completely onside, even without her voice. You grow to truly love her as a character, and enjoy the journey of discovering the world through her eyes.
That’s not to say the rest of the cast aren’t worth mentioning. In fact I, like many, wasn’t sure about the over-realistic depiction of the sidekicks. However, the vocal performances of Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, and Daveed Diggs as Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian respectively, are so entertaining you quickly lose sight of any previous animosity. In fact, I would say that Diggs’ turn as the put-upon crab is by far my favourite in the movie.
Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy also bring further depth to their characters in a way that, again, only adds to the portrayal. McCarthy in particular brings her iconic wit and energy to the role in a way that is sure to thrill many a fan.
In fact, much like when the reimagining of Beauty and the Beast came out a few years ago, this adaptation is sure to delight any fans of the original and give them something more to hold on to. The world building that is able to happen both under, and above, the sea only helps expand the story, and provide depth to Ariel and Eric’s relationship in a much more realistic way. I say realistic knowing full well this is a movie about a singing fish-girl.
Before going any further, however, it’s important to note that this is not a perfect film. We’re not yet at the point where we can set a movie almost half-underwater, and it not trigger the uncanny valley for a viewer. This is particularly noticeable in the climax, where the screen is plunged into darkness in what I’m sure was an attempt to hide the VFX imperfections from the audience.
There are also some original songs peppered throughout the story, which have been written by Disney golden child Lin-Manuel Miranda. While always fun, his melodies have a distinct sound, which is at times jarring against the original soundtrack. Even if you aren’t a fan of the original, the modern style of these tracks are overtly obvious, and generally don’t blend in as well as they should. Although made in collaboration with the original composer, and Disney legend, Alan Menken, it’s clear the lack Howard Ashman is the reason for this. They’re not terrible by any means; just not quite right.
Really, though, the big question with any of these Disney reimaginings is, are they necessary? Do they add anything to the original story, or are they just a cash grab?
Again, I’m quite surprised to be saying that I believe that 2023’s The Little Mermaid does have reason to exist, not only for the performances, but also due to the fact that we get to further unpack the story, taking it in more ways than one from two to three dimensions. In fact, I wouldn’t be opposed to them now taking the generally beloved, yet relatively unseen, sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, and adapting that as well. I think there may be more story to tell here.
Will it replace the original in my heart? Of course not. However, there’s certainly space for both of Ariels to be part of my world.
Score: 8/10
The Little Mermaid is currently playing in theaters
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