The story focuses entirely on a heteronormative romance between Marina and a prince. No non-cisnormative identities or same-sex relationships appear in the plot.

Marina drives the plot through her curiosity, yet her arc remains defined by romantic devotion. Female characters primarily occupy familial roles within a traditional hierarchy.

The film maintains a homogeneous fantasy setting that mirrors the Eurocentric origins of the original tale. It does not actively diversify the undersea or surface kingdoms.

The narrative emphasizes hierarchy and age-based rites of passage. It utilizes traditional royal structures and classical European moral frameworks rather than modern critiques.

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs. Characters function within the standard physical capacities of mermaids and humans.