The Little Mermaid (2023)

As someone who grew up watching Ariel swim across the screen in the animated classic, walking into the theater for The Little Mermaid (2023) felt like revisiting a childhood dream—only brighter, deeper, and more inclusive. From the opening scene, Halle Bailey‘s Ariel captures the same curiosity and defiance that made us love her decades ago, but she also brings something new: a gentle strength that feels distinctly modern. Her voice is rich and effortless; when she sings “Part of Your World,” it isn’t just nostalgia—it’s empowerment.

The film’s visuals are breathtaking. The underwater world glimmers with color and light, and Ariel’s movements feel fluid and natural, as if she truly belongs in that world. While the CGI occasionally overreaches, it never loses its sense of wonder. Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula is perfectly wicked—part drag queen, part sea witch, entirely magnetic. And Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric is more than just a love interest; his expanded role gives the romance a genuine emotional rhythm. Their chemistry feels sweet, tender, and grounded in mutual curiosity rather than fantasy alone.

What struck me most, though, is how The Little Mermaid reclaims Ariel’s story for a new generation of girls who grew up wanting more than fairy tales. Bailey’s Ariel isn’t naive—she’s brave. She questions, takes risks, and defines freedom on her own terms. The film doesn’t change the core story, but it reframes it through a lens of self-discovery rather than rebellion.

Sure, some of the new songs don’t quite sparkle like the originals, and the pacing lingers in spots—but those are small ripples in an ocean of heart. The Little Mermaid is beautifully cast, emotionally resonant, and full of the magic that reminds us why we ever believed in mermaids to begin with.

Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)