#disneylittlemermaid

[nokalatte]

To my fellow merms, with love

'But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.' 

With these somewhat somber words begins the live-action film The Little Mermaid. A much more tragic tone set for a film that originally swam colorfully and vibrantly into our hearts 34 years ago.  Within the first few minutes of the film opening -- it was clear this new take on the forbidden love story between man and mermaid would not disappoint.

I was born the year the original Disney animated film came out and I suppose that’s why so many grown women my age are convinced we are mermaids ourselves. The film is a part of the fabric of my life and as my partner says, it’s basically my religion. For that reason, I went into the theatre cautiously optimistic and I believe that’s why I left absolutely elated. 

I’ve always loved that the film begins above the water, before diving deep down to the ocean floor. While some criticize the film for it’s lack of lighting under the sea, I found it simply to be true of real life. A big reason humans like myself are called to the sea is the desire to be a part of what lurks beneath the surface; where fish have supernatural neon lights to navigate the darkness. Like Prince Eric, I am curious to discover the unknown, just as Ariel desires to go where she is forbidden. 

Ever since the first trailer came out, most of us knew Halle Bailey’s performance would move us. But her angelic voice and wide eyes filled with longing from scene to scene captured me in a way I didn’t expect. As she finished Part of Your World, I found tears streaming down my cheeks. I turned to my cousin (a fellow ‘89 baby) to find that she too was crying. We then immediately started laughing at ourselves. How could we be so emotional at a song we’ve heard thousands of times? Was it overwhelming nostalgia? The realization we could see ourselves in this character? The magic of Disney?? Call it what you want -- the fact remains we were overwhelmed with emotion. And I fully agreed with my cousin when she declared, “the rest of the movie could be crap and I wouldn’t care.  Because that was beautiful”. 

I’m pleased to say the rest of the film was NOT crap. Far from it. Though it’s about an hour longer than the original, nearly every new scene and piece of dialogue seemed to move the story forward and deepen the connection between our two main characters. 

While I could have done without Prince Eric’s solo ballad, to me, Jonah Hauer-King embodied the role perfectly. It’s as if Disney knew they were making this film as much for the adult women as they were for the young kids. The handsome, strong sailor who wants to do away with the boundaries between royalty and deck hands instantly had me hooked.  Through added dialogue between Eric and Grimsby, I could easily see what Ariel saw in him. 

The new song Ariel sings in her head as she’s suddenly among humans was a perfect addition to the story. It describes all the emotions running through her body; all the anxious excitement someone would feel when they finally make it where they longed to be. 

By far though, the best addition to the film is the discovery of Prince Eric’s whoseits and whatsits galore. The parallel between Ariel’s cave of collections from humans and Eric’s trove of treasures from under the sea was exactly what the animated version lacks: a deep soul connection between the two lovers. Ursula never stood a chance ;) 

Speaking of -- Melissa McCarthy does a fantastic job as our villain... but the actress playing human Ursula aka Vanessa -- Jessica Alexander knocks it OUT OF THE PARK! She’s only in the film for such a short time but she makes quite the splash. As the spell begins to unravel, her desperation and anger fully takes hold and I was actually a little scared!!

Though we don’t get the big wedding boat rainbow and sendoff in this version, we do get a much more independent Ariel. She’s the one who figures out how to teach the prince her name. She’s the one who ultimately takes down the villain and just like in the original, she’s the one who convinces her father that not all humans are bad. Breaking barriers for sea creatures and humans just as Halle has broken a barrier by being our first Ariel of color. 

I thought I would be much more upset by changes and the omission of lyrics in the classic songs like Kiss the Girl and Poor Unfortunate Souls; but to be honest, I barely even noticed them. I’m almost embarrassed to have questioned decisions made by the one and only Alan Menken. I can honestly say In Alan, I trust! 

And also -- in Grimsby I trust!! I’ll leave you with this new quote from Eric’s confidant that truly struck a chord in me. A motto I will likely continue to recall when I find myself struggling with a decision in matters of the heart:

“Don’t be held back by what you think should be. Think of only what is”

[aquarianpath]

I. Love. Disney merchandise from Japan! It’s so…. @.@ preeetttyyy ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I swear I’m not addicted, you are! #disney #shopdisneyjapan #disneyjapanshop #rapunzel #littlemermaid #ariel #disneyariel #disneylittlemermaid #shopdisney #disneyprincesses #disneyprincess #disneyprincessrapunzel #disneyprincessariel #disneycollector https://www.instagram.com/p/ChRZ4CHpRcS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[shellypagemusic]

🧜‍♀️Little LiLi and Goldie are so excited to see the new “Little Mermaid” movie! Are you a fan of live action @disney films? - - #littlemermaid #disneylittlemermaid #liveactionlittlemermaid #disney #mermaid #childrensbooks #childrensongs #mermaidmusic #languagelearning #bilingualkids (at Livorno, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CirrirlO1Hc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[betterthanburrow]

Can you do an Instagram story where Joe’s gf is playing Ariel in the live action little mermaid movie?

The Little Mermaid - Instagram AU

(Bengals Quarterback! Joe Burrow x Actress! OC)

liked by joeyb_9 and 1,525,009 more users

DisneyLittleMermaid: Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there! 🫧🐚 Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid is NOW PLAYING!

view all 40,434 comments

username1: i just saw the movie with my two kids today and they LOVE the new movie!

username2: MOVIE OF THE YEAR!

username3: i can’t wait to buy my movie ticket!

username4: anyone who has complaints about the movie is a hater at their core… this movie was perfect!

username5: i loved the movie so much!

username6: i will watch this movie every day at the movie theaters until it’s released on Disney+… then i’ll watch the movie every day on Disney+ until i die!

liked by joeyb_9 and 5,420,513 more users

yourinstagram: The Little Mermaid is out everywhere in theaters now 🧜🏾‍♀️🩷 i hope y’all enjoy the movie!

view all 999,005 comments

youroldersister: you are the perfect Ariel and i’m so proud of you! congratulations on all the success 💟

↳ yourinstagram: awww i love you so much 🥹

username1: YOU ARE MY PERFECT ARIEL!

username2: you delivered an Oscar worthy performance in the movie with Part Of Your World!

username3: I’M OBSESSED WITH THE SOUNDTRACK

joeyb_9: i’m so proud of you 💙

liked by 25,759 users

LittleMermaidSource: Y/N’s Behind The Scene Spam on set of The Little Mermaid from her Instagram Story!

view all 5,013 comments

username1: i love when we get behind the scene confeng from Y/N after her movies are released!

username2: aww Joe went visit her on set 🥹 it proudly had to be a short visit but it’s good to know he was there for her.

username3: i didn’t know Y/N has a cat… when did she have time to take care of a cat while filming the movie?!

↳ username4: Poseidon is the cat Joe adopted for her before she left Ohio to film the movie… the cat lived with her in England and the island of Sardinia, Italy.

username5: this can’t be all the Behind The Scenes content that we get from Y/N… she was filming the movie for almost 6 months!!!!!

liked by 150,810 users

CincyProblems: “Oh Yeah! I definitely have watched The Little Mermaid movie at the movie theaters, I think 5 times now. Y/N is the perfect Ariel and since the day she auditioned for the role, I knew she was meant to be Ariel. I’m so proud of her and what she has accomplished.” - Joe Burrow when asked at the media press conference about his girlfriend, Y/FN Y/LN and her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

view all 55,081 comments

username1: how has Joe Burrow seen The Little Mermaid 5 times at the movie theaters but i haven’t seen the movie once at the movie theaters yet?!

username2: aww he’s so supportive of Y/N 🥹

username3: i just know he’s sings Wild Uncharted Waters when he’s in the shower!

username4: Joe should’ve played Scuttle in TLM!

liked by joeyb_9 and 2,690,013 more users

yourinstagram: thank you to everyone who has supported me since the day i accepted the role as Ariel and has watched The Little Mermaid in theaters. 🧜🏾‍♀️🌊i’m so grateful for the dream life i am living and i’m so glad to be apart of your world 🌎🤍

view all 420,009 comments

username1: it’s been such an honor to watch your career grow from being side characters on Disney Channel shows to now being the lead role in TLM!

username2: WE LOVE YOU!

joeyb_9: i love you miss little mermaid 💙

↳ yourinstagram: i love you too 🤍

Author’s Note:

i still haven’t watched the live-action The Little Mermaid movie, but once the movie is available to watch on Disney+, i will be bing-watching the movie every chance that i get!

if you have a Instagram AU request, please send the IG AU request to my Inbox and i’ll try to get the requested Instagram AU published as fast as i can!

thank you all for the love and support! 🤍

[dim-draws]

Hey y'all, I touched up a sketch that I did of the live action @disneylittlemermaid cast a while ago!! 🧜‍♀️ . I saw the movie 4 times already and I am kinda considering going again! I am only a bit shy because they can recognise me at the cinema by now. 😂 But the movie was soo good!! Definately one of the best remakes! Part of your world (Reprise 2) and Vanessa's trick are stuck in my head!!! . Also I am taking commissions in this style if anyone is interested, send me an email at dimitrigr35@gmail.com ! They are pretty affordable ❤️

[cozyaliensuperstar7]

Ariel 🧜🏽‍♀️

#Repost @wastanahaikal

——

today i just watched @disneylittlemermaid and i LOVE it 🫧 @hallebailey acting was so lovely and the animation was exceptional. And this rendition I made days ago, one of my favorite artwork I hope you guys too 🤍

@disneystudios

-

#mermaid #thelittlemermaid #ariel #animation #conceptart #motiongraphic

[moonshinesims]

Halle Bailey/Ariel skin Sims 4

@hallebailey in @disneylittlemermaid🧜🏼‍♀️

Love both the character and movie❤️❤️

[judelijah]

For my participation this #worldprincessweek, I give you my redraw of this iconic scene of Ariel from @disneylittlemermaid, in her casual getup on #ralphbreakstheinternet, thanks to Vanellope!

References: The iconic splash scene, and Ralph Breaks The Internet

I really intended to post it rightfully so this week since it's Leo-Virgo cusp, and Ariel (which means lion ♌) is just the little maiden (♍, which is also the opposite sign of Pisces ♓) at the bottom of the sea who just fits the idea, throwing in the idea as the first princess of the #disneyRenaissance. And she's also such a gay soul, both figuratively, and literally; canonically, and lyrically.

(Sorry for my render of the splash behind her, I really have no time to "finish" it perfectly, which is a betrayal to my sun sign mind you, as the Leo-Virgo cusp is about to end. But hey, at least the scribble looks like this is really just a fan art of her.)

Check me on my ig:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by hajil_E_duj (@hajileduj)

[darkodordevic]

I love @hallebailey as Ariel that much that I had to make another illustration of her🧜🏽‍♀️✨🌊❤ This time, it's a more cartoony-stylized variant. I also added some extra details such as glittery tinsel in her hair just for fun. 🥰

🐠

🐡

🐙

#ariel #hallebailey #TheLittleMermaid #digitalillustration #procreate #disney #disneyprincess #mermaid #siren #darkodark #famart #darkodordevic @disney @disneylittlemermaid

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darko Dordevic (@darkodark)

[sistahscifi]

Happy Mer May!!  The Little Mermaid (@thelittlemermaid2023) starring  @HalleBailey and @DaveedDiggs in theaters May 26  🧜🏽‍♀️✨ 

#TheLittleMermaid #Disney #HalleBailey #DisneyLittleMermaid  

Swipe for must read Black Mermaid books if you are excited for The Little Mermaid! 🧜🏾‍♀️

CHILDREN'S BOOKS 

The Little Mermaid

@jerrypinkneystudio

@hachettebooks

#littlebrownbooksforyoungreaders

Mermaid Kenzie: Protector Of The Deeps

@charlottewatsonsherman

@astrakidsbooks

Oona & Oona and the Shark

@kellydipucchio

@rizzyfig

@katherinetegenbooks

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

A Comb of Wishes

@engagereaders

@harpercollins

The Little Mermaid: Against The Tide

@authorjelle

@disneybooks

CORRECTION: J Elle let us know that this title is officially considers young adult. We will correct this going forward. 

YOUNG ADULT 

Soul of the Deep & Skin of the Sea

@natasha_bowen_

@randomhouse

ADULT

The Deep

@rivers.soloman

@sagasff

What others would you add to the list? How many have you read?

Link in bio: @SistahScifi | www.sistahscifi.com. Better yet check out your local #library!

#soulofthedeep #skinofthesea #mermaidkenzieprotectorofthedeeps #thelittlemermaidagainstthetide #oona #oonaandtheshark #acombofwishes #asongbelowwater #natashabowen #kellydipucchio #jerrypinkney #jelle #SistahScifi #BlackMermaids #MerMay

[danjpetock]

Life’s full of tough choices, innit?

@disneylittlemermaid @disney @hallebailey @melissamccarthy @alanmenken @lin_manuel #thelittlemermaid #ariel #ursula #seawitch #mermaid #mermay #mermay2023 #danjpetock

[heavenboy09]

HER TIME HAS COME TO SHINE

TO BE SEEN

TO BE HEARD

& TO BE

PART OF OUR WORLD 🌎 💙

JOURNEY TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE UNDER THE SEA 🌊 ONCE AGAIN

WITNESS THE REIMAGING OF 1 OF THE MOST TIMELESS CLASSIC DISNEY STORIES

DISNEY PROUDLY PRESENTS

FOR THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

HALLE BAILEY 🧜🏿‍♀️

IS

THE LITTLE MERMAID 🧜🏿‍♀️ @disneylittlemermaid @disneypicturespresents-blog @hallebailey

@halleberry

#TheLittleMermaid #HaileyBailey #Disney #Disney100

[aquarianpath]

Such a cute Ariel mug! Found @shopdisneyjp I’m not obsessed with Ariel 🫣 #littlemermaid #disneylittlemermaid #ariel #disneyprincess #princessariel #thelittlemermaid #disneyjapan #littlemermaidcollection #disneyariel #disney #disneytokyo #disneyprincessariel #arieldisney https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgu5xnoBX78/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[dizkidd92806]

🧜🏾‍♀️💙 Out of the sea Wish I could be… Part of that world💙🧜🏾‍♀️ @hallebailey 🧜🏾‍♀️💙 @disneylittlemermaid #esteesdave #waltdisney #disney #hallebailey #fanart #thelittlemermaid #mermaid #mermaids #mermay2022 #instagay #mermay #picoftheday #disneyfan #disneylove #queerart #disneyig #illustration #mermaidart #sirenita #d23 #d23expo #disneylife #procreate #prideart #queerartist #sketch #art #digitalart #illustration #gay #queer Reposted from @esteesdave https://www.instagram.com/p/CicTQywOy2K/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[cyarskj1899]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NAACP Image Awards®️ (@naacpimageawards)

naacpimageawards

All hail the queens on the scene. 👑 Congrats to the nominees for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture:

🎬: #AunjanueEllisTaylor | #Origin

🎬: @fantasia | @thecolorpurple

🎬: @hallebailey | @disneylittlemermaid

🎬: @teyanataylor | @athousandandonefilm

🎬: @yarashahidi | #SittingInBarsWithCake

Visit the link in our bio to view the full list of nominees and cast your vote now! #NAACPImageAwards

[cozyaliensuperstar7]

Halle 👑🧜🏾‍♀️

#Repost @hallebailey

——

first time singing part of your world live since filming 😭🌊thank you @disneylittlemermaid & @americanidol for giving me the chance to do so on stage at disneyland ..singing vocals in freezing cold weather at 3am in morning while park is closed is no joke but we did it! only 11 more days until you all can watch the film ! ❤️🧜🏽‍♀️✨💕