---
title: "The Little Mermaid"
year: 2023
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-little-mermaid-2023"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 447277
imdb_id: "tt5971474"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 135
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 3351
content_rating: "PG"
---

# The Little Mermaid (2023) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-little-mermaid-2023

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Little Mermaid is a 2023 American musical fantasy film that is a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1989 animated film. The film tells the story of Ariel, the youngest of King Triton's daughters, who is also the most defiant. Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea. The movie features a mix of adventure, family, fantasy, and romance elements. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes and is rated PG. The soundtrack for the film includes songs from the original 1989 animated film, as well as new original songs. The film was released in the US and is a live-action adaptation of a classic story. The story involves Ariel making a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which puts her life and her father's crown in jeopardy. The film is a musical fantasy film with a range of themes and elements.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A defiant mermaid princess makes a dangerous deal to experience the human world above the sea."

### Why Watch
- vibrant underwater world
- classic musical storytelling

### Caveats & Content Note
- high-stakes conflict
- forbidden romance themes
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains sequences of fantasy peril and intense conflict involving a sea witch.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: musical, fantasy, romantic, adventurous

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Disney Plus | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Rob Marshall
- **Networks / Studios**: Walt Disney Pictures, Lucamar Productions, Marc Platt Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Halle Bailey** as *Ariel*
- **Jonah Hauer-King** as *Eric*
- **Melissa McCarthy** as *Ursula*
- **Javier Bardem** as *King Triton*
- **Noma Dumezweni** as *The Queen*
- **Art Malik** as *Sir Grimsby*
- **Daveed Diggs** as *Sebastian (voice)*
- **Jacob Tremblay** as *Flounder (voice)*
- **Awkwafina** as *Scuttle (voice)*
- **Jessica Alexander** as *Vanessa*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
The protagonist is Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton.

### Q: What does Ariel want?
Ariel longs to learn about the world beyond the sea.

### Q: Who is the antagonist?
The antagonist is the sea witch, Ursula.

### Q: What is the central conflict?
Ariel makes a deal with Ursula that puts her life and her father's crown at risk.

### Q: Does Ariel visit the surface?
Yes, Ariel visits the surface and falls for Prince Eric.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Little Mermaid — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/447277)
- [The Little Mermaid (2023 film)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(2023_film))
- [The Little Mermaid 2023 Soundtrack: Where to Stream, Buy Album O…](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-little-mermaid-2023-soundtrack-listen-stream-buy-online-1234732453/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*