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The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

2018

PG

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

A young reporter and his niece discover a beautiful and enchanting creature they believe to be the real little mermaid.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

2.6/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The narrative offers no evidence of LGBTQ+ representation, centering instead on a traditional heterosexual romance. The absence of non-cisnormative identities reflects exclusionary storytelling norms.

Gender Representation

Limited

The male protagonist drives the plot while the mermaid remains a passive object of rescue. Female characters occupy supportive roles, reinforcing conservative tropes of male heroism and female passivity.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The cast is predominantly white with minimal ethnic diversity. The synopsis lacks intersectional casting or subversion of racial norms, resulting in a moderate-low score for inclusive intent.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Limited

The film promotes traditional Western family values and medical ideals. The narrative lacks systemic critique or postmodern ambiguity, adhering strictly to conventional good-versus-evil frameworks.

Disability Representation

Limited

The niece’s condition serves merely as a plot device to motivate the male hero’s journey. This portrayal risks reducing disability to a tragedy to be cured, lacking nuanced exploration or agency.

Strengths

  • Includes Loreto Peralta, adding minor ethnic diversity to the cast.
  • Features Shirley MacLaine, providing experienced female presence.
  • Centers on family bonds, offering relatable emotional stakes.

Areas for Improvement

  • Mermaid lacks agency, serving only as a passive object of rescue.
  • Disability portrayed as a tragedy to be cured rather than integrated.
  • No LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional relationship dynamics.
  • Lacks intersectional casting or meaningful racial diversity in plot.
  • Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies without critical subversion.

AI Analysis

The 2018 adaptation adheres to conservative storytelling conventions, driven by a male protagonist seeking to rescue a passive female figure. This reinforces traditional gender roles and heteronormative structures without subversion. Racial and ethnic diversity is minimal, with the cast lacking intersectional depth or meaningful representation beyond peripheral presence. Cultural values align with traditional family units and Western medical ideals, avoiding critical engagement with systemic issues. The portrayal of disability is functional rather than empowering, reducing the character to a catalyst for male agency. While not aggressively harmful, the film’s lack of intentional inclusion results in a low overall diversity score.

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