Written by Giana Capri
Here’s the ironic thing about The Little Mermaid: Ariel spends most of her time wishing she was a human, wondering what it’s like to go walking around on those … what do you call ’em again? But the majority of every little girl who sees the movie imagines swimming toward the idea of becoming a mermaid, or maybe even an animated Disney princess.
When remaking a fan favorite, the most important aspect is maintaining the vision that anyone of us can be Ariel, when in fact, it takes a really extraordinary talent like singer Halle Bailey to fill those fins on the big screen.
Every time Disney decides to redo one of its beloved classics, a group of doubters, usually, older adults who have nothing better to do, ask “Why?”
Since it was announced that Bailey was cast as Ariel, she has faced a tidal wave of both criticism and support, placing her at the center of debates involving race, opportunity, and Black female representation. In the middle of the storm of public opinion, even in the most fearless acts of determination, it is easy to lose your voice when you’re finally ready to stand on your own.
The Little Mermaid remake should not be questioned. Bailey’s bright Bambi eyes, long butterfly lashes, and a radiant princess smile as well as her beautiful voice all make her the perfect person for the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated character. Director Rob Marshall found his Ariel, and together, they’ve made their own modern twist of the classic that we grew up with.
The story we all know and love: teenage Ariel (Bailey) ignores her father’s (Javier Bardem) orders to explore the forbidden parts of the sea, taking interest in all things human related. She keeps an underwater cave full of thingamabobs that fell overboard, even going so far as to rescue such castaway Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), and swim him back to land. She likes his looks while he’s mesmerized by her voice, but the two are from completely different worlds. With a little “help” from squid-bottomed Auntie Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), Ariel has three days to obtain true love’s kiss from Prince Eric to remain human and break the spell cast by the sea witch.
There’s nothing “little” about Marshall’s take on The Little Mermaid. Running nearly an hour longer than the original, Marshall expands the above and below water realms, with additional songs and characters along the journey.
Eric gets a solo song called “Wild Uncharted Waters,” which reduces his heroic side so there’s opportunities for Ariel to rescue him. Eric is seen as more than just a pretty face; we get to see a glimpse into his backstory and who he is as a person. In the animated movie, Eric is seen as the typical prince character. Now his trajectory is similar to Ariel’s — he feels like he doesn’t fit well in his world and wants to travel uncharted waters, whereas Ariel wants to explore the human world.
Two beloved tunes sport updated lyrics in “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Originally suggesting Eric do just that and kiss Ariel without asking, Sebastian now advises him to “Use your words, boy, and ask her.” This is to avoid suggesting that Eric would in any way force himself on Ariel. In “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” while Ursula originally informs Ariel “On land it’s much preferred for ladies not to say a word” and that “It’s she who holds her tongue who gets a man,” the new version drops the entire verse. Those lines potentially give off the impression to young girls that they shouldn’t speak out of turn, even though Ursula is clearly manipulating Ariel.
Live-action Disney adaptations introduce the timeless classics to a whole new generation, while providing a new experience for those who already love the originals. The live-action The Little Mermaid introduces a new version of Ariel, while still embodying the spirit of adventure, heroism, and love for the original.
The Little Mermaid has always captured people’s hearts and inspired love for music and curiosity, but the live adaptation has a deeper impact before the film even hit theaters.
Seeing oneself in the media helps people discover their identity and opens the possibilities for their future. The importance of representation can’t be exaggerated, and the videos of children who saw a reflection of themselves in Bailey’s Ariel were immediately touched to see someone who looked similar to them being represented in a movie.
The Little Mermaid is already a well-established classic, but this version will be an experience that has a very real, very visible impact on many kids’ lives. It truly showcases an updated storyline that captures the beauty of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
