Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Watered-down retelling has poor acting, production values.
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The Little Mermaid (2018)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that this adaptation of a beloved fairy tale is mostly a disappointment, with many reviewers criticizing the poor acting, confusing plot, and lack of compelling storytelling compared to the original. While a few found it enjoyable or unique, the overwhelming consensus is that it was not worth their time and particularly fails to engage older audiences or those familiar with the original narrative.
- poor acting
- confusing plot
- disappointing adaptation
- not worth time
- aimed at children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this take on THE LITTLE MERMAID, a grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) tells her granddaughters an abbreviated version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic mermaid tale, following it up with a "true mermaid story" of her own, which proceeds to unfold on-screen. In the early 20th century, Cam Harrison (William Moseley), an English reporter living in the U.S. with his sickly young niece, Elle (Loreto Peralta), is assigned to travel to Mississippi and research a circus act's "healing waters." Cam and Elle, who loves mermaids, fairies, and other creatures, attend the circus, where mysterious ringmaster Locke (Armando Gutierrez) announces the main event: the "living mermaid of the Mississippi." Cam interviews local residents who've been temporarily cured of ailments and illnesses by the healing waters. Cam and Elle meet the "mermaid," Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton), who tells Elle that where she comes from, there's a legend of a human girl born with the heart of a mermaid. As Cam and Elle get closer to Elizabeth, it's clear that Elizabeth really is a mermaid -- and that the ringmaster is actually a wizard who can control her.
Is It Any Good?
Unless your child is the breed of mermaid fan who must see everything possible about the mythological sea creatures, this is one Hans Christian Andersen retelling that families can skip. Despite veteran actors like Drayton (Downton Abbey), Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia), Gina Gershon, and the brief presence of the legendary MacLaine in the framing story, the acting feels phoned-in, particularly among the supporting ensemble. As the villainous Locke, Gutierrez (who's also one of the movie's producers) gives a particularly amateurish performance. But it's not just the stale overacting that's the problem here, it's the cheesy special effects, the clunky script, and the off-putting historical elements.
For example, why did writer-director Blake Harris need to hire two Brits to play the principal roles when the movie is set in America? Plus, he set the film in the Jim Crow-era Deep South, only to water down the history of segregation by including a black character who's not only close friends with white townsfolk but allowed to eat in the same restaurants and celebrate on the riverboat with everyone else. This isn't the sort of diversity audiences need; this is ignoring the painful history of Mississippi's racial segregation. Bottom line? There's very little to endear most viewers to this disappointing spin on The Little Mermaid.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether there are any role models in The Little Mermaid. If so, what character strengths do you think they display?
Talk about the differences between this version of The Little Mermaid and other versions, like Disney's. How does this one compare?
What do you think about the circus/carnival setting? Why are circus folks so interesting to viewers/readers?
How accurately do you think the movie portrays its historical setting? Is it OK to water down uncomfortable realities in movies for kids and families?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 17, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : November 20, 2018
- Cast : William Moseley , Poppy Drayton , Shirley MacLaine
- Director : Blake Harris
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Freestyle Releasing
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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