**Name movie: The Little Mermaid (2023)**
The 2023 live-action adaptation of _The Little Mermaid_ reimagines Disney’s beloved animated classic with a fresh and captivating approach. Directed by Rob Marshall, this version brings new life to the iconic story, blending stunning visuals, modern music, and a diverse cast. At its core, _The Little Mermaid (2023)_ preserves the heart of the original story—a tale of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of being different—while adding a fresh twist that appeals to contemporary audiences.
The plot of _The Little Mermaid_ centers around Ariel, a curious and adventurous young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the ocean. Ariel, played by Halle Bailey, is the youngest daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem), the ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. Fascinated by humans and their world, Ariel collects human artifacts and longs for a life on land, despite her father’s strict rule that contact with humans is forbidden.
Ariel’s life changes forever when she saves Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from a shipwreck and falls in love with him. Determined to be with Eric, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with Ursula, the sea witch (Melissa McCarthy). In exchange for her voice, Ursula grants Ariel legs for three days, giving her a chance to win Eric’s heart. If she fails, Ariel will become one of Ursula’s slaves forever. What follows is a thrilling journey of Ariel navigating the human world, discovering her own strength, and fighting to reclaim her voice.
One of the standout elements of _The Little Mermaid (2023)_ is Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel. Bailey’s performance brings a fresh sense of strength, innocence, and determination to the character, making Ariel more than just a naive young mermaid in love. Her portrayal emphasizes Ariel’s adventurous spirit and independence, making her a modern heroine who is willing to challenge the rules of her world to follow her heart.
Bailey’s casting also marks a significant step in diversity and representation. While there was initial controversy surrounding the casting of a Black actress in the iconic role, Bailey’s performance silences critics, proving that Ariel’s essence lies in her character’s determination and bravery, not her physical appearance. Her rendition of classic songs like “Part of Your World” is emotionally powerful, capturing Ariel’s longing and passion.
Melissa McCarthy delivers a show-stealing performance as Ursula, the iconic sea witch. McCarthy’s portrayal is a blend of wickedness, humor, and charisma, making Ursula both menacing and entertaining. The film’s reimagined version of Ursula delves deeper into her motivations, adding complexity to the character and her desire for power.
In this version, Ursula is more than just a villain; she is a cunning, opportunistic figure with a tragic backstory. Her interactions with Ariel showcase a deeper manipulation, using Ariel’s vulnerability against her. McCarthy’s take on “Poor Unfortunate Souls” adds a sinister flair to the song, making it a highlight of the film.
The 2023 adaptation excels in its visual storytelling, creating a vibrant underwater world filled with rich colors, detailed creatures, and mesmerizing special effects. The visual effects team masterfully blends CGI with live-action elements, bringing the oceanic kingdom of Atlantica to life. From the bioluminescent glow of sea creatures to the sweeping coral reefs, every detail of the underwater environment feels magical and immersive.
The film also effectively transitions from the underwater scenes to the human world, with both environments feeling distinct yet cohesive. Ariel’s transformation from mermaid to human is a pivotal moment, visually enhanced with stunning effects that make the scene feel both magical and emotional.
The musical aspect of _The Little Mermaid (2023)_ remains true to the original, while also adding fresh, modern elements. Alan Menken, the original composer, returns to collaborate with Lin-Manuel Miranda, adding new songs to complement the classics. Songs like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” retain their beloved melodies, while new tracks bring additional layers to the characters’ emotions.
Miranda’s influence is evident in the updated musical numbers, infusing contemporary rhythms and catchy beats that appeal to a modern audience. Prince Eric, who had little musical presence in the original, gets his own song in this version, offering more depth to his character and making the romance between Ariel and Eric feel more genuine.
In the 2023 version, Prince Eric’s character is given more dimension compared to the original animated film. Jonah Hauer-King’s portrayal of Eric offers a more fleshed-out version of the prince, showing his own struggles with identity, freedom, and responsibility. Eric is no longer just the charming prince Ariel falls for; he has his own storyline, ambitions, and a desire to explore the world beyond his royal duties. This adds more depth to his relationship with Ariel, making their connection feel more authentic and mutual.
King Triton’s character also benefits from a more nuanced portrayal. Javier Bardem’s Triton is a father who struggles with balancing his love for Ariel with his fears of the human world. Triton’s overprotectiveness is rooted in trauma and loss, and his relationship with Ariel evolves as he learns to trust her judgment. This dynamic adds emotional weight to the story, making the father-daughter relationship a crucial aspect of Ariel’s journey.
At its core, _The Little Mermaid_ is a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and the challenges of being true to oneself in a world filled with restrictions. Ariel’s journey is not just about finding love with Prince Eric, but about finding her voice—both literally and metaphorically. She fights against societal and familial expectations, asserting her independence and pursuing her dreams.
The film also touches on themes of identity and belonging. Ariel’s fascination with the human world stems from her feeling like she doesn’t fully belong in Atlantica. Her transformation into a human symbolizes her quest to find her place in the world, and ultimately, the film emphasizes that true belonging comes from within.
Additionally, the film explores the complexities of love—not just romantic love, but familial love and self-love. Ariel’s love for Eric drives her to make a dangerous decision, but her love for her family and herself helps her navigate the consequences of that choice.
One of the most important aspects of _The Little Mermaid (2023)_ is its contribution to diversity and representation in modern cinema. Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel as a Black mermaid challenges long-held stereotypes and offers a powerful message of inclusivity. Young audiences, especially those from underrepresented communities, now have a Disney princess they can see themselves in, reinforcing the idea that heroes come in all colors and backgrounds.
The film also showcases a cast that reflects a more global, inclusive vision of the world. This decision not only aligns with contemporary values but also highlights the universal themes of love, adventure, and self-discovery that _The Little Mermaid_ has always embodied.
_The Little Mermaid (2023)_ successfully reimagines a timeless tale for a new generation, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives. Halle Bailey’s stunning performance as Ariel, coupled with dazzling visuals, modern music, and a strong supporting cast, makes this adaptation a standout in Disney’s live-action lineup. The film retains the magic of the original while offering something new, making it a must-watch for fans of the classic and newcomers alike.
