Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’
Rob Marshall‘s live-action adaptation of beloved 1989 animated classic, The Little Mermaid, was met with both derision (at worst) and caution (at best) when it was first announced back in 2016. To be completely fair, Disney did not have the best track record when it came to the live-action adaptations of their animated properties (2015’s Cinderella was perfectly okay, while 2017’s Beauty and the Beast was an overly-polished retread of the 1991 original that brought nothing new to the table). Three years later, the casting of Halle Bailey in the lead role of Ariel drew intense levels of vitriol from certain crowds, only adding more fuel to the fire. (Ironically enough, Bailey’s casting in the film should have been taken as an indication that this film would be more than just another carbon copy remake that Disney has come to be known for – her 2019 Grammy’s performance of “Where is the Love?” alongside sister Chloe, which was what first put her on the map for Marshall and co, is an impeccable demonstration of not only her phenomenal vocal capabilities, but also the endless amount of charm and charisma she carries.)
Since then, the film has been a target for everyone from snide Film Twitter critics, who have taken to posting low-res screenshots of the film to deride everything from its lighting to its (unfinished at the time) VFX, to racist trolls, who have flooded the film’s trailers with abrasive comments and hundreds of thousands of dislikes. However, I’m happy to report that Marshall’s film is a delightful, lovingly crafted and surprisingly soulful movie anchored by a powerful, endlessly charismatic performance from Bailey.
The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, a spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Marshall’s take on the animated film, scripted by Finding Neverland and Life of Pi scribe David Magee, does not deviate from the traditional tale, following the same beats and walking the familiar paths of the 1989 original (which could either be a positive or a negative, depending on who you ask.) However, Magee attempts to provide some additional context by expanding on these beloved characters’ pasts and backstories, some of which work more so than others. However, the additions to the film’s plot largely end up succeeding, thanks to a phenomenal cast that is more than game to tackle the source material seriously, adding layers and nuance that elevate the film from being just another Disney remake.
Halle Bailey, stepping into the role of the iconic Ariel, is hands down a movie star. With her phenomenal, irresistible voice, poised, graceful demeanor and endlessly expressive eyes, she easily carries the film on her shoulders, delivering a stunning performance that perfectly captures the inner turmoil and the tumultuous journey of her character. In any other actress’ hands, the film may have ended up sinking, but Bailey is able to easily find the heart and soul of the character, giving her the grace, charm and voice she deserves; she is Ariel, and the fact that there was even any discussion to the contrary is, quite frankly, baffling. Grounding the film with authenticity and sincerity amidst all of the flashiness and dazzle, Bailey’s performance needs to be seen to be believed, and is more than worth the price of admission alone.
Jonah Hauer-King, playing the role of Prince Eric, brings some much-needed layers and pathos to the character, who could have easily been as one-dimensional as he is in the animated original in any other actor’s hands. Aided by a showstopping new addition to the soundtrack titled “Wild Uncharted Waters,” which is easily the best of the handful of new songs created by producer Lin-Manuel Miranda for the film, Hauer-King turns in a soulful, searing performance that will easily allow viewers to connect with Eric and his journey in the film, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting new actors in the industry.
Elsewhere, Melissa McCarthy delivers a deliciously campy performance as the sea witch Ursula, delightfully chewing the scenery whenever she’s on screen, while Javier Bardem is perfectly cast, if underused, as Ariel’s overbearing father King Triton. In terms of voice casting, Daveed Diggs is hilarious as Sebastian, while Jacob Tremblay delivers an endearing performance as Ariel’s adorable companion Flounder. And while she isn’t entirely as grating as one might have initially expected, Awkwafina is still sorely miscast as the dimwitted Scuttle, delivering some of the film’s cringiest lines in her signature nasally tone that one has to wonder why she was even cast in this role in the first place.
Much has been made about the film’s lighting and VFX, especially in online circles. However, those complaints are mostly unfounded; seeing the finished film on a biggest screen possible is key to enjoying its delightful visuals, particularly its stunning above-water sequences that are much more gorgeous than one would expect them to be. The film’s underwater sequences work overall, but they do feature some shoddy VFX work and occasionally baffling sea creature design, although the movement and choreography of the merfolk is incredibly impressive to see.
Thanks to an incredible cast, impressive production design and (mostly) stunning visuals, The Little Mermaid is a joyful, lovingly crafted and emotionally authentic take on a beloved classic that will delight fans of the original, while also creating some new ones in the process.
Rating: 4/5
The Little Mermaid debuts in theaters on May 26, 2023.