Movie Overview

• Title: The Little Mermaid (2023)

• Release Date: Premiered May 8, 2023 (Dolby Theatre) and released theatrically on May 26, 2023 .

• Genre: Live-action musical romantic fantasy — a remake of Disney’s 1989 animated classic, rooted in Hans Christian Andersen’s tale

• Director: Rob Marshall

• Main Cast: Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Eric), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Javier Bardem (King Triton), Daveed Diggs (Sebastian, voice), Awkwafina (Scuttle), Jacob Tremblay (Flounder), with Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik in supporting roles

• Where to Watch: Released theatrically, followed by streaming availability on Disney+ starting September 6, 2023

1. Plot Summary

Ariel, the adventurous mermaid princess, longs to experience human life. After saving Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she strikes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs, allowing her to walk on land. But in doing so, she risks everything—her voice, her father’s kingdom, and even her life—as she navigates forbidden love and hidden dangers .

2. Notable Elements

• Spectacular Cast & Performances: Halle Bailey brings warmth, vocal talent, and youthful curiosity to Ariel. Melissa McCarthy delivers a flamboyant and drag-inspired Ursula, channeling the energy of icons like Divine

• Music and Score: Composer Alan Menken returns to rework original scores and themes, with new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The soundtrack balances nostalgia with fresh musical flourishes .

• Visuals and Technical Craft: The film combines practical sets with CGI for underwater scenes, though visuals received mixed feedback—some applauded the immersive aesthetics, while others found the effects uneven

• Modernization and Representation: Halle Bailey’s casting drew both positive acclaim—especially for Black representation—and controversy. Director Rob Marshall and the production team defended the choice, emphasizing Ariel’s spirit over appearance

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3. Themes and Messages

• Identity & Freedom: Ariel’s journey reflects the timeless struggle between duty and personal desire, and the courage to define one’s own destiny.

• Inclusivity and Representation: This adaptation emphasizes inclusivity by celebrating Ariel’s diversity, reinforcing that heroism and identity transcend traditional casting expectations.

• Growth and Sacrifice: The story deepens themes of love’s transformative power and the sacrifices required to pursue true belonging.

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• Halle Bailey shines with both vocal prowess and emotional presence—making Ariel feel vividly real.

• Musically rich, with a heartfelt nod to the original’s beloved numbers alongside genuinely engaging new songs.

• Bold casting and updated themes give the story fresh cultural relevance without erasing its nostalgic charm.

Weaknesses:

• Some CGI sequences, particularly underwater, lacked polish and occasionally pulled me out of the magic

• While generally well-paced, the film’s 135-minute runtime felt stretched in parts, especially for younger audiences

5. Audience Recommendations

• Highly recommended for:

  • Fans of musicals and visually grand fairy-tale reimaginings.

  • Viewers cheering for greater representation and fresh takes on classic stories.

• Less suited for:

  • Those seeking a wholly faithful remake—this version is distinctively modern and stylistically bold.

6. Conclusions & Rating

This Little Mermaid reimagines a cherished tale with heart, diversity, and sonic grandeur. Though imperfect visually at times, the emotional current—driven by standout performances and thoughtful updates—makes it a rewarding experience.

Final Recommendation: A captivating live-action musical that honors its legacy while forging its own identity.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5 stars)