★★★★
When Walt Disney Pictures announced that The Little Mermaid would receive a live-action remake, many super fans worried that the studio would not be able to do the fairytale justice. The redhead mermaid, Ariel, the daughter of King Triton, has been beloved by viewers of all ages for her curiosity, innocence, and wonder. Finding the perfect actress to fill the mermaid’s tail was no small feat. However, Halle Bailey successfully swims into view with a bright voice worthy of the sea princess.
Directed by Rob Marshall, famous for bringing Broadway classics to the silver screen, The Little Mermaid (2023) begins with the majesty of the ocean as wave after wave crashes on the screen. Sailors struggling aboard Prince Eric’s ship make mention of the ominous coral moon and the danger of mermaids. Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, refuses to believe the superstitious tales and it’s clear Marshall wants viewers to see the prince as more than just the human who ties Ariel to land. The dark-haired royal even performs a new song written by the original lyricist Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
However, it’s not singing that reveals Ariel’s missing presence to her father as it does in the animated film. The live-action version has all of Triton’s daughters ruling the seven seas and convening to give a report, which makes Ariel’s absence seem more important than simply missing a concert. The removal of this opening music number makes Bailey’s performance of the iconic “Part of Your World” song even more meaningful as it’s the first song featured in the movie.
Much of the film shows shot-by-shot recreations of the cartoon, while there are significant additions to the story. Marshall’s version adds almost an hour of runtime by enriching Eric’s backstory and developing his island’s setting and culture. Other significant changes include the gender-bent Scuttle, who is changed from a male seagull to a female northern gannet voiced by Awkwafina.
Many viewers may take issue with the CGI versions of Ariel’s beloved sidekicks. With three animal friends, the creators of the live-action version had the difficult task of bringing Sebastian the overbearing crab (Daveed Diggs), Flounder the loyal tropical fish (Jacob Tremblay), and Scuttle the scatter-brained bird to life. While audiences may have mixed reviews on the artists’ rendition of Scuttle, most will be disappointed with Flounder and Sebastian who seemed to have lost their adorable qualities in this realistic interpretation.
However, fans everywhere will agree that the updated take on Ursula, the sea witch, is phenomenal. Perfectly cast, Melissa McCarthy truly revels in the role of the villain. She’s able to scowl in all her campy glory as she threatens the little mermaid’s happiness. Her henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam the eels, have no speaking lines in this remake, simply lending their all-seeing yellow eyes to their mistress.
Ariel’s payment for Ursula’s spell, her voice, was always central to the story as Ariel must get Eric to fall in love with her without her beautiful words or siren’s song. However, this modernized version calls more attention to Ariel’s lack of voice, focusing on her father’s inability to hear her, even when she has words to speak. It’s not until King Triton hears his daughter’s desires and allows her to pursue them that Ariel’s voice truly matters.
With over two hours of gorgeous underwater imagery and songs fans have sung for over thirty years, The Little Mermaid is certain to make a splash in theaters. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the film for its nostalgia and Bailey’s incredible performance. Anyone who misses this film due to their fears that it may not live up to the animated classic will just be one of those poor unfortunate souls.