The Little Mermaid

A closer look at the story

The youngest and most rebellious of King Triton's daughters, Ariel is endlessly curious about everything that lies past the ocean. During one of her visits to the surface, she spots the dashing Prince Eric and falls for him. Mermaids, however, are strictly forbidden from having anything to do with humans. Determined to follow her dreams, Ariel turns to Ursula, the malevolent witch of the sea, and agrees to a risky pact. The pact lets her find out what it is like to live among humans, but the price is steep, because it endangers not only Ariel herself but also the throne of her father. Ariel must find a way to be with the man she loves and protect her family. Directed by Rob Marshall, this 135-minute 2023 musical fantasy stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, alongside Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem.