Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet animated musical promotes friendship, acceptance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Barbie: Mermaid Power
What's the Story?
In BARBIE: MERMAID POWER, it's time for the Ceremony of the Mermaid Moon that happens every 100 years. Malibu Barbie (voiced by America Young) is cleaning up trash in the ocean along with her little sisters and Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts (Tatiana Varria) when she gets a message to travel to the mermaid world to participate in the competition. The mermaids are each learning to wield their new powers of earth, fire, wind, and water and find out which one of them is to be the Power Keeper, who's able to control all four powers. Some of the mermaids aren't too happy to see "land dwellers" as a part of the competition. Meanwhile, back on land, Marlo is trying to prove that mermaids are real. She's setting out to capture proof during the Mermaid Moon event. All of this occurs while a floating island of trash threatens to destroy Pacifica. Will the mermaids be able to set aside their differences to help save Pacifica? The story shows what happens when humans and mermaids embrace their inner powers and try to do what's right.
Is It Any Good?
The Barbie franchise continues to evolve as Barbie: Mermaid Power showcases a diverse cast and positive messages, with talented girls and women discovering their inner powers. The colorful setting and straightforward story make it fun and enjoyable. The songs are catchy and tout messages of kindness and confidence that are simple enough for the youngest viewers to understand and enjoy. Barbie fans who have seen the previous mermaid tales will recognize some familiar faces from Pacifica. Others new to the mermaid storyline might miss a couple of references to previous movies, but those aren't not necessary to follow along. Viewers new and old will still be able to jump right in and enjoy the story and characters.
Each character experiences their own set of growth during the story. Brooklyn Barbie gets to experience being a mermaid for the first time and she adds a dose of realism to the mix, often calling out the bizarre scenario while also being able to embrace the situation. Malibu Barbie plays a little more of a supporting role than she usually does, often taking a backseat to the other characters and allowing them to shine in their own way. But when it comes down to it, the characteristics people love most about Barbie (her loyalty, kindness, and empathy) still radiate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a time they've felt like a "fish out of water." How did it feel at first? What things did you do to try to feel comfortable? How did it feel the longer you spent in that situation?
What do you think it means to say "we are all the same on the inside"? How can this perspective help us be more accepting of others?
How did the characters demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these positive character strengths?
Different characters had different talents and skills in this movie. What are some of your unique talents?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 1, 2022
- Cast : America Young , Tatiana Varria , Kirsten Day
- Director : Ron Myrick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Run time : 65 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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