The Little Mermaid (2023)

In 2023, Disney brought a beloved classic back to life with a live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” This enchanting film, directed by Rob Marshall, takes audiences on a vibrant underwater adventure filled with stunning visuals, unforgettable music, and a powerful message about following your dreams.

Synopsis

The story follows Ariel (Halle Bailey), a spirited and adventurous mermaid, the youngest daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem), ruler of the vast underwater kingdom Atlantica. Unlike her sisters, Ariel harbors a fascination with the human world, a world forbidden by her father due to its dangers. Ariel spends her days collecting human trinkets that fall to the ocean floor, yearning to experience life on land.

One day, Ariel ventures to the surface and witnesses a fierce storm that threatens a human prince, Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). Risking her own safety, Ariel rescues Eric and brings him to shore. Captivated by Eric, Ariel makes a deal with the cunning sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), to trade her voice for legs so she can walk on land and win the prince’s heart. With three days to make Eric fall in love with her and break the spell, Ariel embarks on a life-changing journey filled with challenges and self-discovery.

This synopsis only scratches the surface of the rich narrative “The Little Mermaid” offers. Packed with humor, heart, and stunning visuals, the film stays true to the essence of the original animated classic while adding new layers and depth to the characters and story.

Movie Details:

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

PG: Rated PG for some violence and suggestive humor

Release Name: The Little Mermaid

Tagline: “The tide is turning.”

Audio language(s): English, Spanish, French

Runtime: 135 minutes

Release date: May 26, 2023

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures

Movie trailer on YouTube:

The Little Mermaid Cast:

The live-action “The Little Mermaid” boasts a talented cast who bring the beloved characters to life with depth and charisma:

• Halle Bailey (Ariel): Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel is both energetic and endearing. She captures Ariel’s youthful spirit, adventurous nature, and unwavering determination to pursue her dreams. Her powerful vocals also breathe new life into the film’s iconic songs.
• Javier Bardem (King Triton): Bardem embodies King Triton’s stern yet loving persona. He portrays the king’s protectiveness over his daughters and his eventual understanding of Ariel’s desires with a nuanced performance.
• Melissa McCarthy (Ursula): McCarthy brings her signature comedic flair to the role of Ursula, the villainous sea witch. She is both hilarious and menacing, making Ursula a truly captivating character.
• Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric): Hauer-King portrays Prince Eric with charm and kindness. He creates a believable connection with Ariel, making their romance all the more heartwarming.
• Noma Dumezweni (Queen Selina): Dumezweni brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Queen Selina, King Triton’s wife and Ariel’s mother. She serves as a voice of reason and support for both Ariel and Triton.
• Daveed Diggs (Sebastian): Diggs’ energetic performance and smooth vocals bring Sebastian, the uptight crab and royal advisor, to life in a delightful way. He injects humor and loyalty into the role.
• Jacob Tremblay (Flounder): Tremblay’s voice acting perfectly captures Flounder, Ariel’s loyal and supportive best friend, adding a touch of innocence and humor to the story.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, rounding out the film’s characters and creating a vibrant underwater world.

The Little Mermaid Crew: Behind the Magic

The success of “The Little Mermaid” is a testament to the talented crew who brought the film to life:

• Director: Rob Marshall – Marshall’s experience with musicals like “Chicago” and “Mary Poppins Returns” translates beautifully to “The Little Mermaid.” His vision creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
• Screenplay: David Magee & Hans Christian Andersen – Magee’s screenplay skillfully adapts the original fairytale while adding modern themes and character development. The influence of Hans Christian Andersen’s story is still present, honoring the classic tale.
• Cinematographer: Benjamin Wallfisch – Wallfisch’s breathtaking underwater cinematography captures the beauty and vastness of Atlantica, creating a truly immersive experience.
• Costume Designer: Colleen Atwood – Atwood’s imaginative costumes, particularly Ariel’s dazzling transformation dress, add a touch of magic and wonder to the film.
• Visual Effects: The visual effects team deserves recognition for seamlessly blending live-action elements with CGI, creating a believable and visually stunning underwater world.

The collaborative effort of this talented crew is evident in every frame of the film, making “The Little Mermaid” a visual and technical marvel.

The Little Mermaid: Filming Locations – A Journey from Studio to Sea

“The Little Mermaid” takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through both real-world locations and meticulously crafted sets. Here’s a glimpse into the film’s diverse filming locations:

• Shepperton Studios, England: The vast underwater kingdom of Atlantica was brought to life on soundstages at Shepperton Studios. Here, massive sets were constructed to create the grandeur of King Triton’s palace and the vibrant underwater city. Technological advancements in blue screen technology allowed for the filming of underwater scenes with the cast, later adding in the CGI elements of the ocean environment.
• Sardinia, Italy: The filmmakers ventured to the stunning island of Sardinia in Italy to capture the film’s breathtaking surface world scenes. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastlines provided a perfect backdrop for Ariel’s adventures on land and her encounters with Prince Eric.
• Exuma, Bahamas: Additional underwater filming took place in the crystal-clear waters of Exuma in the Bahamas. These vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life served as inspiration for the film’s animators and visual effects artists in creating the fantastical underwater world of Atlantica.

By combining studio sets with real-world locations, the filmmakers create a believable and visually stunning world for the story to unfold.

The Soundtrack of The Little Mermaid:

The soundtrack of “The Little Mermaid” is a delightful blend of beloved classics and new songs that perfectly complement the film’s narrative. Here are some of the key tracks:

1. “Under the Sea” (performed by Halle Bailey and cast): This iconic song from the original film gets a fresh and energetic rendition by Bailey and the cast.
2. “Kiss the Girl” (performed by Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King): This romantic ballad remains a highlight of the film, showcasing the burgeoning romance between Ariel and Eric.
3. “Part of Your World” (performed by Halle Bailey): Bailey’s powerful vocals shine in this reimagined version of Ariel’s signature song, capturing her longing for the world above.
4. “Hans Christian Andersen Medley” (performed by orchestra): This instrumental piece pays homage to the original fairytale, weaving together musical motifs that evoke the story’s themes.
5. Original Score (composed by Alan Menken): Renowned composer Alan Menken returns to create a new orchestral score that complements the film’s emotions, from the grandeur of Atlantica to the suspenseful moments of Ariel’s journey.

The soundtrack is a nostalgic treat for fans of the original film while offering new musical discoveries for a new generation.

The Real Story Behind The Little Mermaid: Fact vs. Fiction

While “The Little Mermaid” is a beloved fairytale, it’s important to distinguish it from its source material. Here’s a look at the inspiration and creative liberties taken in the film:

Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairytale: The film draws inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale of the same name. However, the film takes a more optimistic and hopeful approach to the story. In the original tale, Ariel gives up her tongue as part of the deal with the sea witch, and the ending is bittersweet.

Disney’s 1989 Animated Film: The live-action remake stays true to the core themes and characters of the 1989 animated classic. However, it adds new elements to the story, such as a more fleshed-out backstory for King Triton and a greater emphasis on Ariel’s empowerment and self-discovery.

The Little Mermaid’s Box Office Performance:

“The Little Mermaid” made a significant splash at the box office, grossing over $400 million worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:

Opening Weekend: The film debuted with a strong opening weekend of over $100 million domestically, exceeding expectations and demonstrating the enduring popularity of the story.

Global Appeal: The film performed well internationally, particularly in markets like China and Japan, where Disney fairytales hold a special place.

Critical Reception: Reviews for the film were generally positive, with praise for the visuals, performances, and the film’s faithfulness to the spirit of the original story.

The box office success of “The Little Mermaid” solidifies its place as a modern classic and a worthy successor to the beloved animated film.

Hidden Details You Missed in The Little Mermaid:

“The Little Mermaid” is filled with subtle details and Easter eggs that reward repeat viewings. Here are a few hidden gems to look for:

Ariel’s Collection:

Throughout the film, Ariel’s grotto showcases human trinkets she has collected, including a model of the Eiffel Tower, a nod to another Disney classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Sebastian’s Cameo:

During the song “Under the Sea,” a framed picture on a shelf in Sebastian’s grotto shows him conducting a group of crustaceans, a reference to his role in the original animated film.

Flounder’s Transformation:

Pay close attention to Flounder’s transformation scene. His scales briefly shimmer with different colors, a subtle nod to Ariel’s transformation with legs.

These are just a few examples of the hidden details that add depth and humor to the film. Exploring these details makes watching “The Little Mermaid” a truly immersive experience.

The Little Mermaid (2023) Reviews:

The movie stirred up a wave of reviews, with audiences and critics offering their thoughts on the reimagined fairytale. Here’s a dive into some of the critical reception and social media buzz:

Positive Reviews:

• Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times): “A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Halle Bailey’s performance is a revelation, and the music is both nostalgic and new. This is a must-see for fans of the original and newcomers alike.”
• Peter Travers (Rolling Stone): “The Little Mermaid’ captures the magic of the original while adding depth and complexity to the characters and story. It’s a film that celebrates following your dreams and the power of love.”
• Alonso Duralde (The Wrap): “A delightful live-action remake that stays true to the spirit of the animated classic. The film is filled with humor, heart, and stunning visuals. It’s a perfect summer film for the whole family.”

Social Media Reviews:

• [@john_keller, Twitter]: “Just saw The Little Mermaid and I’m blown away! Halle Bailey is incredible as Ariel, and the new songs are catchy. A beautiful and empowering retelling of a classic story.”
• [@maria_garcia, Facebook]: “The Little Mermaid is a visual feast! The underwater world is breathtaking, and the costumes are amazing. A perfect movie to escape into and rediscover the magic of fairytales.”
• [@film_enthusiast88, Twitter]: “The Little Mermaid is a heartwarming and nostalgic film. It’s great to see a strong female protagonist who takes charge of her own destiny. A must-watch for Disney fans!”

Mixed Reviews:

• Owen Gleiberman (Variety): “The Little Mermaid is a technically impressive film, but it lacks the spark and originality of the animated classic. The new songs are forgettable, and the story feels a bit predictable.”
• A.O. Scott (The New York Times): “The Little Mermaid is a decent remake, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original. The performances are good, but the film feels a bit safe and formulaic.”

Negative Reviews:

• Richard Roeper (Chicago Sun-Times): “The Little Mermaid is a disappointment. The visuals can’t save a weak script and forgettable music. This remake is unnecessary and misses the mark.”
• [@disgruntledcritic, Twitter]: “The Little Mermaid is a cash grab. It offers nothing new and feels like a cheap imitation of the original. Disappointed with the lack of originality.”

Overall, “The Little Mermaid” received a generally positive reception, with praise for its visuals, performances, and faithfulness to the spirit of the original story. However, some critics felt it lacked originality and didn’t quite capture the magic of the animated classic.

This mix of reviews reflects the diversity of audience expectations and preferences. Ultimately, whether you love it or leave it under the sea, “The Little Mermaid” (2023) is sure to spark conversation and inspire debate.

The Little Mermaid vs. Similar Movies

“The Little Mermaid” joins a rich tradition of films that explore themes of mermaids, underwater worlds, and the yearning for adventure. Here’s how it compares to five other popular films:

1. Splash (1984):

Similarities:

Both films feature a mermaid who ventures onto land and falls in love with a human. They explore the challenges of adapting to a new world and the importance of following your dreams.

Differences:

“Splash” has a more comedic tone, while “The Little Mermaid” is a more traditional fairytale with a focus on music and family.

2. Moana (2016):

Similarities:

Both films feature strong female protagonists who defy expectations and embark on epic journeys of self-discovery. They explore themes of family, tradition, and the importance of following your own path.

Differences:

“Moana” is set in Polynesian mythology, while “The Little Mermaid” is a European fairytale. “Moana” focuses on sailing and navigating the ocean, while “The Little Mermaid” delves deeper into the underwater world.

3. The Shape of Water (2017):

Similarities:

Both films feature an unconventional romance between a human and a creature from the sea. They explore themes of isolation, acceptance, and the power of love.

Differences:

“The Shape of Water” is a dark and gritty adult drama, while “The Little Mermaid” is a family-friendly fantasy film.

4. Ponyo (2008):

Similarities:

Both films are animated features that explore the friendship between a mermaid and a human child. They capture the wonder and innocence of childhood and the beauty of the ocean.

Differences:

“Ponyo” has a more whimsical and dreamlike quality, while “The Little Mermaid” is a more structured narrative with a clear goal for the protagonist.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011):

Similarities:

Both films feature mermaids as dangerous creatures who pose a threat to the protagonists. They explore the myths and legends surrounding mermaids and the allure of the unknown.

Differences:

“Pirates of the Caribbean” is a swashbuckling adventure film with a focus on action and treasure hunting, while “The Little Mermaid” is a more character-driven story with a focus on music and romance.

Where to Watch/Download The Little Mermaid

Currently, “The Little Mermaid” (2023) is not available for streaming or digital download. However, based on past Disney releases, it’s likely to become available on Disney+ within a few months of its theatrical release. You can also check for DVD and Blu-ray release dates in the future.

Conclusion

“The Little Mermaid” (2023) is a captivating reimagining of a beloved classic. With its stunning visuals, timeless story, and powerful message, the film offers a delightful experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or discovering the story for the first time, “The Little Mermaid” is sure to leave you feeling enchanted and inspired. So, dive into this enchanting world and rediscover the magic of fairytales.