Director: Rob Marshall
Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid (2023) brings a fresh take on the beloved classic while staying true to its roots. Directed by Rob Marshall, this version stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, whose powerful vocal performance and charm breathe new life into the iconic character. Bailey’s rendition of “Part of Your World” is a standout, showcasing her impressive voice and making it clear why she was chosen for the role.
The movie follows the familiar story of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to explore the human world. She defies her father, King Triton (played by Javier Bardem), and makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula (a scene-stealing Melissa McCarthy) to trade her voice for legs, leading her on a quest to find love with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and a sense of belonging.
Visually, the underwater scenes are both a strength and a weakness. The vibrant cinematography and CGI create stunning imagery, particularly in musical numbers like “Under the Sea,” where colorful sea creatures and Sebastian the crab (voiced by Daveed Diggs) bring joyful energy. However, some of the visual effects, especially the rendering of underwater movement, feel flat and lack the fluidity expected from an aquatic setting.
One of the film’s highlights is its musical score, with a combination of classic Alan Menken songs and new additions by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The updated soundtrack keeps the spirit of the original while adding a modern twist, including new songs for characters like Prince Eric and Scuttle, voiced by Awkwafina.
Despite its strengths, the film does suffer from pacing issues. At two hours long, it stretches nearly 40 minutes beyond the original animated version, and some of this extra time feels unnecessary. The extended runtime can make the film feel slightly drawn out, especially for younger viewers. Additionally, while the movie brings stunning visuals underwater, the above-water scenes and costumes are less impressive, occasionally breaking the enchantment of the world created.
Overall, The Little Mermaid (2023) offers a heartwarming, visually appealing retelling of a timeless story. Though not without flaws, Halle Bailey’s performance and the film’s musical elements make it a worthy addition to Disney’s live-action adaptations. Fans of the original will appreciate the nostalgia, while new audiences will enjoy its modern, inclusive take on a classic tale.