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As Disney has announced one live-action remake after another, fans have held their breath, waiting to see how the studio would reimagine their favorites. Most of us have been more invested in some films than others—but, for me, The Little Mermaid was the one that made me the most excited…but also the most apprehensive.
The Little Mermaid retells the story of Ariel (Halle Bailey), a headstrong young mermaid who’s fascinated by the world beyond the sea. After witnessing a shipwreck and saving Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from drowning, her passion for the human world only deepens—despite the warnings of her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem). When the sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), offers to help her experience life on land with her prince, Ariel can’t resist—and after making a deal with Ursula, she finds herself with just three days to find true love without the help of her mermaid powers.
As someone who spent her teen years (and beyond) singing along with Ariel and Sebastian, The Little Mermaid remake made me very, very nervous. Though I have plenty of Disney movies that I love, this was always the one for me. So it was such a relief to see that director Rob Marshall and his team didn’t try to make the film into something completely different—because the old one is still just fine (even if those of us who grew up relating to Ariel now have children of our own, making us understand where King Triton’s coming from). No one tried to change the story or the characters. Ariel is still flighty but determined, Eric is still kind and adventurous, and Ursula is still a wildly entertaining, over-the-top baddie. Though the filmmakers built onto the story, adding in a few more songs, a few more details, and a subtle message about love and acceptance, it all feels natural and true to the original story—enhanced instead of altered.
Of course, it’s impossible for someone who’s spent hours and hours watching the original not to have a tiny complaint or two, but they really are just that: tiny and insignificant. Even that skinny reimagined Flounder that fans have been decrying for weeks looks natural in this lifelike underwater setting. From the cast to the songs to the musical numbers (especially the lively, colorful “Under the Sea”), the remake perfectly captures the spirit of the movie that fans have loved for decades—and it brings all of the fun and playfulness to life.
For fans of Disney’s animated original, this live-action remake of The Little Mermaid will make you feel like a kid again. It vibrant and colorful, and just so much fun. If you never liked the original, don’t expect to find anything especially new here to love—but fans will definitely appreciate this faithful adaptation.
You can walk, drive, or swim your way to your local theater to see The Little Mermaid when it arrives on May 26, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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