Most people probably aren’t aware that the original 1863 short story ‘The Little Mermaid’ is a metaphorical reflection of the author Hans Christian Andersen’s doom romance for a young Duke named Edvard Collin. Many historians agree that they were lovers and the original story lines up with a series of love letters Andersen wrote him. Much like the Prince Eric in the story, Edvard faced pressure from his family and tragically, just as in the original fairytale, the prince chooses to marry a princess rather than the mermaid. (Google the original story, it’s like a Greek tragedy).
It is beyond ironic that so many people are upset about the colourblind casting changing from the 1989 Disney classic when that adaptation itself is of a unrequited tragic queer love story. It’s always been a transgressive story at its heart, crossing world boundaries and prejudices. Classic stories get told and retold in many different ages and ‘The Little Mermaid’ is no different. I for one celebrate that it’s adaptation in our times promotes diversity and inclusion, something to inspire a new generation of young girls and boys. Halle Bailey is perfectly cast as Ariel, with such innocent beauty and what a powerful voice. Definitely a star on the rise. If anyone wasn’t cast well I think Eric isn’t as charming or attractive as he could of been, and his solo number is a flat moment. The supporting cast mostly hits the right notes. I do wish Melissa McCarthy had of gone bigger and campier as Ursula, who in the 1989 version was inspired by drag queen Divine. She seemed a bit held back and timid for me. The underwater animation isn’t perfect, it’s no underwater Pandora, but it’s colourful and fun. I haven’t been a big fan of most of the live action Disney remakes, wasn’t crazy about ‘The Lion King’ or ‘Mulan’ and ‘Aladdin’ was a total train wreck. But I think this film ranks along with ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Cruella’ as one of the better ones. It’s never going to be the original. As it is, it’s a sweet, fun and romantic ride. I enjoyed myself and got swept up in its charm. It’s sad that a film like this can trigger such negative reactions stirred on by the Trump wannabe De Santis and his politically manufactured fight with Disney. Representation matters. I wish I had seen more positive gay representations as a lonely young boy, instead of being inculcated with Disney’s many queercoded dandy villains. If Disney can inspire young girls of colour I think the world is getting better. 7/10
Jeremy Smith's Movie Blog 