Have you ever watched Disney’s The Little Mermaid? The classic animated tale of Ariel—the curious teenage mermaid who dreams of life above the waves—has enchanted audiences for decades. Despite her father King Triton’s warnings, Ariel falls for a human prince and risks everything to be with him. Her fateful deal with the sea witch Ursula sets off a chain of events that test love, sacrifice, and identity. It’s one of those timeless Disney stories that stays with you long after the credits roll.
When I was little, The Little Mermaid was my movie. I wore out the VHS, sang along to every song (badly, I’m sure), and dreamed of being part of Ariel’s world. So when I heard that Disney was bringing the story to life again—this time with Halle Bailey as Ariel—I felt that same spark of excitement.
I’ll admit, I was hesitant. Disney’s live-action remakes have been a mixed bag. But from the moment Halle appeared on screen, I knew this one was different. Her performance was pure magic. I actually teared up in the theater—seeing a young Black woman as a Disney princess on the big screen was powerful.
When I was a little girl, my ballet teacher once gave me a bag with a Black ballerina printed on it. That small gesture meant everything because, back then, representation like that was rare. I still have that bag. Sitting in the theater, watching Halle Bailey as Ariel, I couldn’t help but think of my younger self—how much it would’ve meant to see someone who looked like me in a role like this.
Halle Bailey was a great choice. She brought Ariel’s innocence, strength, and wonder to life while adding a modern grace that felt completely her own. And her voice? Absolutely breathtaking. It was such a beautiful touch to see Jodie Benson, the voice of the animated Ariel,, the original voice of Ariel, make a cameo—a quiet, graceful passing of the torch.
Sure, I would’ve loved to see her hair a bit more vibrantly red (the iconic mermaid look!), but honestly, it didn’t matter. Between the stunning underwater visuals and Halle’s performance, I was all in.
If you’ve become a fan of hers, she mentioned a few upcoming projects in a recent Cosmopolitan magazine interview.
Speaking of standout performances, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric completely surprised me. His portrayal gave Eric more depth than ever before—and his new solo song, “Wild Uncharted Waters,” gave me chills. I loved how both characters shared the same yearning for freedom and self-discovery. It made their love story feel more balanced, more real. I can’t wait to see what other movies he’ll be in!
I really liked Ariel’s sisters, and I wish we could’ve seen more of them! They were all beautiful and full of potential, but their scenes felt fleeting. Hopefully, if there’s ever a sequel (please, Disney?), we’ll dive deeper into their stories.
And can we take a moment to appreciate Jessica Alexander as Vanessa—Ursula’s glamorous alter ego? She nailed the perfect mix of beauty and menace. As for our beloved sidekicks—Sebastian, Scuttle, and Flounder—I know their realistic CGI designs divided fans, but I found them charming in their own quirky way. “The Scuttlebutt,” their new musical number, might not be for everyone, but I thought it was hilarious and delightfully chaotic—exactly what a kids’ movie moment should be.
Javier Bardem as King Triton was another pleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel seeing the No Country for Old Men star as Ariel’s father, but he brought a tenderness and quiet strength that made Triton feel more human. I also loved the added backstory—learning that Ariel’s mother was killed by a human gave their conflict much more weight. Oh, and discovering that Ursula and Triton are siblings! Genius.
Speaking of Ursula, Melissa McCarthy played the role of the evil sea witch. She brought some comedy to the role, and I thought she did a great job paying homage to the original, but I didn’t think she added too much besides some funny moments.
All in all, Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action remake was everything I hoped for and more—a love letter to the original, but with a bold, inclusive twist for a new generation. And I’m clearly not the only one who feels this way—it’s sitting at an impressive 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
If you haven’t seen it yet, trust me: grab some popcorn, hum along to “Part of Your World,” and let yourself be swept away.
Because sometimes, magic really does happen under the sea. 🐚✨
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 