The youngest of King Triton's daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land.
Disney has been on a relentless quest to revisit its animated classics in live-action form, and the latest addition to this endeavour is The Little Mermaid in 2023. While the nostalgia-laden journey of Ariel and her underwater friends is not without its merits, it treads too closely to its animated predecessor, leaving us yearning for a more daring reimagining.
Halle Bailey, known for her pop duets, takes on the role of Ariel, and despite the character's inherent blandness, she shines with her soulful eyes and powerful, expressive voice. Bailey effortlessly carries the weight of the film, infusing Ariel with a sense of wonder and determination that captures the essence of the character beautifully.
The film sticks closely to the original storyline, with Ariel's longing for life above the sea and her encounter with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) forming the central plot. While both Bailey and Hauer-King deliver commendable performances, their characters remain somewhat one-dimensional, a limitation inherent in the source material. One significant improvement in this remake is the expansion of Prince Eric's character. No longer just a handsome prince in need of rescue, this iteration of Eric shares Ariel's desire for exploration and discovery, offering a more well-rounded and relatable portrayal.
Melissa McCarthy takes on the iconic role of Ursula, the sea witch, and brings a fresh twist by making Ursula and King Triton (Javier Bardem) siblings. This dynamic adds depth to Ursula's villainy, giving her motives and backstory more substance. McCarthy's performance strikes a balance between humour and menace, proving her versatility as an actress.
However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The most glaring issue is the dark and visually underwhelming colour grading of the underwater scenes. While it may be an attempt to convey Ariel's sense of confinement, it ultimately hinders the audience's ability to appreciate the intricate details of the underwater world. Only when Daveed Diggs, as Sebastian, belts out "Under the Sea" does the film's true beauty come to light. Speaking of Sebastian and Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), the commitment to photorealism limits their ability to emote. Flounder, in particular, suffers from an uncanny realism that detracts from his character's charm and appeal.
The core problem with The Little Mermaid lies in its hesitancy to break free from the shadow of the original. While some tweaks and adjustments are made, they feel more like attempts to avoid upsetting fans rather than genuine efforts to redefine the story. The film's close adherence to its source material (the original animated film, not the original story by Hans Christian Andersen) prevents it from soaring as its own unique creation.
The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel initially faced backlash, but her performance in the film is undeniably outstanding. Her voice is a perfect fit for a Disney princess, and her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength adds depth to the character. Director Rob Marshall's vision of the underwater world draws heavily from Finding Nemo, lacking the creativity and originality that could have set it apart. In contrast, the live-action sets feel flat and stage-like, failing to capture the magic of the animated original.
When assessing a remake, it's crucial to consider not only its quality but also its value compared to the original. The Little Mermaid offers a fun and entertaining experience, with Bailey's performance serving as its most enchanting aspect. She infuses the film with charisma and contemporary appeal, balancing nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
Moreover, the film subtly promotes gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity, sending a positive message to audiences. It embraces these principles, countering the misguided objections of some who label them as "woke". The film frequently captures the energetic spirit of a Broadway stage production, enhancing both classic songs and new sequences. Melissa McCarthy's Ursula stands out as a successful reinterpretation, adding depth to the character without sacrificing her comedic edge.
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In the end, Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid is a journey into nostalgia, offering comfort in the familiar. While Halle Bailey's remarkable performance and some improvements in character development stand out, the film ultimately falls short of being a truly transformative reimagining. It leans heavily on commercial and nostalgia-based entertainment, leaving little room for excitement beyond Bailey's captivating portrayal.
The Little Mermaid will be streaming on Disney+ from September 6, 2023