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The Little Mermaid

Name: The Little Mermaid
Director: Michael Johnson
Released: 2023
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

8.1/10

Excellent

2023

TV-G

Director

Michael Johnson

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film succeeds as a progressive reimagining by breaking long-standing racial archetypes in mainstream storytelling. By centering a non-white protagonist, it challenges the visual semiotics of the original IP. However, the narrative remains anchored to traditional structures, relying on straight-centered romance and standard royal hierarchies, which prevents a higher score in social and cultural categories. While the film pushes boundaries regarding race and women's ability to drive the story, it lacks depth in disability representation and explicit LGBTQ+ narratives, maintaining a safe, traditional fairy tale framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Little Mermaid have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives, focusing instead on a traditional romantic storyline between the protagonist and the Prince. The underwater kingdom feels socially fluid, but there are no clear queer characters or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Little Mermaid portray gender?

Good

Ariel avoids the typical damsel-in-distress cliché by prioritizing her own curiosity and autonomy. Her decision-making, particularly when dealing with the sea witch, highlights her independence and proactive nature.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Little Mermaid?

Excellent

Casting Halle Bailey as the lead provides a powerful shift away from Eurocentric standards. A diverse ensemble of merfolk further deconstructs the homogeneity often found in traditional fantasy settings, emphasizing varied backgrounds and experiences.

How does The Little Mermaid represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot explores the tension between two kingdoms and subtly critiques isolationism through the protagonist's desire for cultural exchange. However, the reliance on royal hierarchies limits deeper exploration of cultural nuances.

Does The Little Mermaid include disability representation?

Fair

Characters are depicted within standard fantasy ideals of physical perfection. There is no significant focus on neurodivergent or physically disabled characters to drive the narrative.

Present on Screen

The casting of a non-white lead effectively challenges Eurocentric aesthetic standards.
Ariel is portrayed who play a significant role in driving the story and intellectual curiosity rather than as a passive character.
A diverse ensemble of merfolk helps deconstruct the homogeneity of the underwater setting.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
There is no meaningful inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The reliance on traditional romantic clichés and royal hierarchies limits cultural depth.

Official Synopsis

In this "half-fish" out-of-water animated adventure, a mermaid princess makes a bargain with a sea witch to become human.

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