'The Little Mermaid' Review: A Long Overdue Adaptation that Makes a Splash
Since it was first announced, Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid has been swimming against a seemingly impossible current. Waning quality of the studio’s other live-action adaptations aside, the non-stop barrage of racist reaction from online trolls against newfound star Halle Bailey and the eventual complaints about the VFX (based on the first trailer alone) made it clear that many did not want this film to succeed. A quick search of the film on YouTube, Twitter, or any other social media platform will show that many still do not want this film to succeed. But what those same people don’t realize is that, for any object swimming against the current, eventually the tide changes. And once it does, the wave that once seemed like an obstacle becomes an ally hellbent on crashing the shore in full force. In other words, all of that negativity has nothing but bolster the film. While that extra strength is sure to cement it as a contemporary classic, the film floats well enough on its own because it’s actually good.
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's original tale of the same name, but more closely aligned with Disney’s original 1989 animated film, this version once again follows a mermaid named Ariel (Bailey) who wants nothing more than to visit the surface world. This desire becomes stronger after she saves a young prince from falling overboard a ship and subsequently falls in love with him. Against the wishes of her father, the all-powerful King Triton, Ariel decides to visit the surface. Striking a deal with an evil sea witch named Ursula, she trades her fin and her voice for legs. She is then given three days to make the prince fall in love with her. If she fails, she must become Ursula’s property forever.
Now, despite having many similar beats to its 1989 counterpart, this isn’t a shot-for-shot remake. Although it is essentially the same overall story being told, there are some tasteful updates to the characters, the music, and even themes that viewers of all ages can enjoy. For instance, characters like Prince Eric and Sebastian are way more fleshed out in this version. Here, Prince Eric is turned into an adventurer with a similar fascination in ancient artifacts to Ariel. He also gets his own song where the audience gets to hear how he feels about falling in love for the first time. Similarly - and thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda - Sebastian gets to sing a show-stopping update to “Under the Sea”. While Daveed Digg’s Sebastian is against being a babysitter to Ariel, he becomes committed to making her and Eric kiss to maximum comical effect.
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
As enjoyable as each of the updates are however, it’s really Halle Bailey who defines this version. That’s not to diminish the performances or contributions of any of the other actors. For example, Melissa McCarthy’s version of Ursula is both comedic and camp. Her version of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is one of many things she does in the film that slays literally and figuratively. Javier Bardem delivers a surprisingly emotional performance as Triton too, seeing him balance the complexities of a God and a father make him easier to empathize with. Even Awkwafina brings some surprising delight to one of the most annoying side characters in Disney’s hundred-year history, Scuttle. Respectfully, Halle Bailey outshines them all.
Part of the charm comes from the way she is able to capture the compassion and optimism that made Ariel such a perfect protagonist. Although the film is a romance, Bailey gives Ariel a big enough heart to not only love Eric but the world he inhabits too. The way in which she believes in the “surface dwellers”, despite knowing all the horrors they’ve committed against themselves and her own people, is almost enough to restore your own faith in humanity. The other part of Bailey’s charm is her voice. While Jodi Benson will always be the blueprint, Bailey takes the songs to a brand new depth. There are no words to describe Bailey’s version of “Part of Your World.” To clarify, there are certainly words to describe how her voice makes you feel when she hits certain notes throughout the song, but there is no definitive way to describe the feeling that will wash over you as it crescendos. Not a second after that song finishes will you know that this is the Halle Bailey show.
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
As great as it is, it’s not without some cons. Not to feed into some of those initial complaints over the VFX, but Sebastian is the only character in this entire film that looks out of place. That’s saying a lot for a film about mythological creatures. As previously mentioned, Daveed Diggs does wonders for the character, but the jarring design is distracting. Additionally, both the third act and climax feel rushed. Considering that this version is nearly a whole hour longer than the original, it’s puzzling how much more balanced other parts of the film are. Although there is only so much Ariel can ultimately do against someone as powerful as Ursula, the ending is one area where more creativity would have been welcome. Instead, it’s one of the few instances of the movie that actually does follow the original to a tee.
None of those things actually detract from the film as a whole though. In the end, The Little Mermaid is still leagues above some of Disney’s other live-action offerings. Unlike previous remakes such as The Lion King or Pinocchio - and contrary to what many only trolls have manifested - it’s a success. It’s a success because of Bailey. It’s a success because it tastefully recontextualizes the original story, while delivering a bold new vision. More than anything, it’s a success for how it proves just how powerful a splash of wonder can still be.