The Little Mermaid (2023) Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid dives deep into the timeless tale of adventure, love, and self-discovery. While capturing the spirit of the animated classic, this reimagined version stars Halle Bailey as Ariel and presents a fresh visual experience with powerful themes for today’s audiences.

In this review, we’ll explore everything parents need to know about The Little Mermaid (2023) — from visuals and storytelling to content warnings. This in-depth parent review aims to help you decide if it’s the right family film for your next movie night.

The Little Mermaid (2023) Overview

Released in May 2023, The Little Mermaid live-action movie is Disney’s latest adaptation of their animated classics. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, supported by an impressive cast that includes Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. The story centers on Ariel, a mermaid princess who yearns to explore the human world and ultimately embarks on a journey filled with risks, romance, and self-discovery.

This remake offers a modernized take on Ariel’s story, focusing on themes of bravery, independence, and inclusion, which makes it an engaging watch for young viewers.

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The Storyline and Themes

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

At its core, The Little Mermaid (2023) follows a familiar plot: Ariel, the curious mermaid princess, feels out of place in her underwater kingdom and dreams of experiencing life on land. When she falls in love with Prince Eric, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula, risking her voice for a chance to live on land.

Key Themes and Lessons:

• Curiosity and Adventure: Ariel’s journey teaches kids the value of curiosity and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones.
• Courage and Self-Discovery: Ariel’s bold choices remind viewers about the power of staying true to oneself.
• Inclusion and Kindness: The live-action version enhances themes of acceptance and the importance of understanding differences.

This adaptation also emphasizes self-reliance and independence, making it relatable for young viewers navigating their own paths.

Comparison to the Original Animated Film

Disney’s animated Little Mermaid (1989) introduced audiences to a colorful underwater world, coupled with memorable songs and a vibrant storyline. The live-action remake stays true to this essence while incorporating notable updates:

• Expanded Characters: Ariel’s backstory is enriched, adding depth to her motivations and family dynamics.
• New Songs: Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborated with Alan Menken to add fresh musical numbers, complementing classic hits like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.”
• Modern Values: Unlike the 1989 original, which portrayed Ariel as focused solely on romance, this version broadens her goals to include personal growth and discovery.

While it maintains the magical qualities of the original, the live-action Little Mermaid remake brings a fresh lens on independence and inclusion that today’s audiences may find particularly meaningful.

The Visuals and Cinematic Quality

CGI and Visual Effects

The film’s visual effects bring life to the underwater scenes, depicting vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine creatures, and Ariel’s mermaid form. Although CGI-heavy scenes like the sea witch’s lair may be intense for younger viewers, most effects are engaging and visually impressive.

Key CGI Highlights:

• Underwater Settings: The fluidity of the water scenes and the vivid color palettes captivate young audiences.
• Sea Creatures: Character animations for Sebastian and Flounder are skillfully designed to blend realism with the charm of the original.

Costume and Set Design

The costumes reflect a careful balance between realism and fantasy, adding depth to the story’s visual appeal. Ariel’s mermaid tail is rendered in shimmery hues, and Ursula’s tentacles exude an eerie, otherworldly vibe, which adds to the film’s appeal for all ages.

Notable Set Designs:

• Prince Eric’s Castle: The seaside castle setting is beautifully detailed, capturing the romantic, adventurous tone of Ariel and Eric’s relationship.
• Underwater Kingdom: The vast underwater world feels both familiar and fantastical, a blend of Disney magic and realism.

Musical Score and Soundtrack

The movie’s soundtrack combines familiar songs with new additions that emphasize Ariel’s adventurous spirit. Halle Bailey’s rendition of “Part of Your World” stands out as a touching moment, reflecting Ariel’s longing and courage.

• New Songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda add fresh energy, offering catchy, uplifting tunes that kids will enjoy.
• Classic Hits: Songs like “Under the Sea” retain their charm, bridging the gap between generations of fans.

The music helps shape the film’s emotional tone, making it as much an auditory treat as a visual one.

Is The Little Mermaid (2023) Safe for Kids? | Parents’ Guide

Language and Dialogue Appropriateness

This Disney live-action movie maintains family-friendly language throughout. The dialogue is simple and accessible for children, ensuring younger viewers understand without being overwhelmed.

What Parents Need to Know:

• Mild Tension in Dialogue is present during scenes with Ursula, but there is no strong language or inappropriate phrases.
• Positive Conversations between Ariel and her friends, as well as with Prince Eric, offer learning moments about kindness and empathy.

Violence, Suspense, and Frightening Elements

While largely kid-friendly, The Little Mermaid (2023) has a few scenes that may be intense for sensitive viewers. Ursula’s character, with her magical tentacles and deep voice, can appear frightening to younger audiences. Additionally, scenes involving ocean storms and underwater chases add suspense.

Potentially Intense Scenes for Young Viewers:

• Storm Scene: Ariel saves Eric during a shipwreck, which may be intense for younger children.
• Ursula’s Transformation: The sea witch’s portrayal, especially her darker magic, may seem scary to preschool-aged children.

To help gauge these scenes, here’s a look at intensity by age group:

Age Group	Intensity Level	Notes
Under 6	High	Parental guidance for Ursula’s scenes recommended.
7-10	Moderate	Some scenes might still be suspenseful, but manageable.
11+	Low	Kids in this age group generally find the movie engaging without issues.

Romantic Themes and Innuendo

The romance between Ariel and Eric is subtle and suitable for young viewers. There are no explicit romantic scenes, and their relationship centers more on friendship, mutual respect, and admiration.

Positive Role Models and Themes

Parents will appreciate how Ariel’s journey presents positive lessons. Ariel is brave, kind-hearted, and determined, serving as a relatable role model for kids.

Notable Characters and Their Traits:

• Ariel: Embodies curiosity, courage, and independence.
• Prince Eric: Demonstrates empathy, courage, and a genuine respect for Ariel’s independence.
• Supporting Characters: Flounder and Sebastian offer comic relief and provide a sense of friendship and loyalty.

The Little Mermaid (2023) PG Rating Explained

Why the PG Rating?

Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid (2023) is rated PG, primarily for mild action sequences, suspenseful scenes, and fantasy elements that younger children might find intense. Compared to other Disney films, The Little Mermaid (2023) aligns with titles like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast in terms of intensity.

Rating Comparison with Other Disney Movies:

Movie	Rating	Elements to Consider
The Little Mermaid 2023	PG	Mild suspense, fantasy themes
Beauty and the Beast	PG	Mild peril, romance
Aladdin	PG	Adventure, mild violence

For parents considering movie options, The Little Mermaid holds a similar rating standard as other Disney live-action films, making it a suitable choice for family viewing.

Age Recommendations for The Little Mermaid (2023)

Here’s a quick guide for parents on recommended viewing ages for The Little Mermaid (2023), based on suspense levels, themes, and overall content.

Age Group	Recommended?	Key Notes
0-6	With Caution	Some intense scenes; parental guidance suggested.
7-12	Yes	Suitable with mild guidance for intense scenes.
13+	Yes	Recommended for story depth and character development.

Additional Viewing Tips for Parents:

• Encourage Questions: Kids may ask about Ariel’s choices or the film’s magical elements, opening discussions on independence and kindness.
• Watch Together: Viewing alongside young children allows you to provide reassurance during intense scenes.

Final Thoughts | Should You Watch The Little Mermaid (2023)?

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Vibrant visuals and magical underwater scenes.
• Positive themes of courage, kindness, and self-discovery.
• Family-friendly language and engaging soundtrack.

Cons:

• Some scenes may be intense for very young viewers.
• Fantasy elements like Ursula’s character may frighten sensitive children.

Overall Recommendation

The Little Mermaid (2023) is a delightful addition to Disney’s live-action films, capturing the timeless tale with fresh energy. With its positive themes, relatable characters, and visual appeal, this family film is well-suited for kids aged 7 and up, with slight guidance for younger viewers.

So, if you’re looking for a nostalgic yet fresh take on a classic story, The Little Mermaid live-action film offers an enchanting family viewing experience that’s both safe for kids and packed with life lessons.