The Little Mermaid (2023)
Synopsis:
Ariel, the youngest and most rebellious daughter of King Triton, dreams of exploring the world beyond the ocean depths. When she ventures to the surface and encounters the charming Prince Eric, she falls deeply in love despite the strict prohibition against mermaids interacting with humans. Desperate to experience life on land and be with Eric, Ariel strikes a dangerous bargain with Ursula, the evil sea witch. This deal gives her the opportunity to walk among humans, but it comes at a terrible price that threatens not only her own life but also her father's kingdom and crown. With the help of her loyal friends Sebastian and Flounder, Ariel must navigate the challenges of her new world while racing against time to break Ursula's spell before everything she loves is lost forever.
Where To Watch: The Little Mermaid
Parental Feedback
The Little Mermaid (2023) offers a blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy that balances lighthearted musical moments with emotionally intense scenes involving danger and sacrifice. Parents should expect a moderately paced story that explores themes of defiance, forbidden love, and the consequences of making deals with villains. The tone shifts between whimsical underwater sequences and darker moments involving the sea witch's manipulation, creating a viewing experience that may require parental guidance for younger or more sensitive children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Little Mermaid (2023)
This adaptation brings together several elements that can engage and inspire young viewers.
The story celebrates curiosity and the desire to explore beyond one's familiar world, showing Ariel's determination to learn about life on land. Her adventurous spirit can encourage children to embrace their own curiosity while thinking about the world around them.
The musical numbers and voice performances from characters like Sebastian and Flounder add humor and entertainment value that keeps younger audiences engaged. These lighthearted moments provide relief from the more serious plot developments.
The family dynamics between Ariel and King Triton explore themes of parental love and understanding, even when rules are broken. This relationship can spark conversations about family expectations and communication.
The fantasy elements, including underwater kingdoms and magical transformations, create a visually imaginative world that can stimulate children's creativity and wonder.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Little Mermaid (2023)
Parents may want to consider several aspects before deciding if this is appropriate for their children.
The character of Ursula serves as an evil sea witch who manipulates Ariel into a dangerous deal, and her villainous scenes may be frightening for younger or more sensitive viewers. The consequences of this deal place both Ariel's life and her father's crown in serious jeopardy.
The central premise involves Ariel defying her father's rules about interacting with humans, which could send mixed messages about respecting parental authority. Some families may be concerned about the portrayal of disobedience as a path to achieving one's dreams.
The PG-13 rating suggests content that may be too intense for younger children, including potentially scary sequences and thematic elements that require a certain level of maturity to process appropriately.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Little Mermaid (2023) earns parental approval for families with children who can handle moderate fantasy peril and emotional themes, offering valuable lessons about identity, sacrifice, and following one's heart while understanding consequences.
What Parents Should Know About The Little Mermaid (2023)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ariel demonstrates courage and determination, though her defiance of rules and deal-making with a villain present more complex moral situations that require parental discussion. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the story includes scenes where Ariel's life is in danger, her father's crown is threatened, and the evil sea witch Ursula creates frightening situations that may be too intense for younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The narrative demonstrates that making deals with villains and breaking rules leads to serious consequences, as Ariel's agreement with Ursula puts both herself and her father at risk. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The supporting characters Sebastian and Flounder demonstrate loyalty and friendship by helping Ariel, showing the value of standing by those you care about even in difficult circumstances. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children will encounter themes about pursuing dreams, the importance of family, and understanding that choices have consequences, though the message about defying authority may require parental context. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the fantasy adventure and musical elements that make The Little Mermaid (2023) entertaining for families, while noting that the PG-13 rating is appropriate given the darker moments involving Ursula and the peril Ariel faces. Many families find the performances engaging, particularly the voice work and the chemistry between Ariel and Prince Eric. However, some parents express concern about the central theme of a young character defying parental rules to pursue romance, suggesting that conversations about respect and consequences may be necessary. The balance of whimsy and intensity means families should consider their children's age and sensitivity levels before viewing.
Official The Little Mermaid Trailer
Why Kids Love The Little Mermaid
Ariel swims through a dazzling underwater kingdom filled with bright coral reefs, glowing sea creatures, and hidden treasures that sparkle in every scene. Her animal friends Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish zip alongside her as she explores shipwrecks and secret grottos, turning the ocean floor into a magical playground kids can't look away from.
The movie bursts with catchy songs where characters sing and dance their way through adventures. Ariel belts out tunes about her dreams while sea creatures swirl around her in colorful formations, and even the villainous Ursula gets a show-stopping musical number packed with swirling tentacles and glowing magic.
When Ariel makes her risky deal with Ursula, the sea witch's lair becomes a wild spectacle of bubbling potions and eerie transformations. Kids watch as brave Ariel risks everything to explore the human world above the waves, proving she'll do things her way no matter what King Triton says.
The climax delivers high-stakes action as Ariel races to save Prince Eric and protect her father's crown from Ursula's scheming. With Sebastian shouting frantic advice and Flounder darting through danger, the finale combines family bonds with heroic rescues that let Ariel prove she can be the hero and stand up for everyone she loves.