Type: Romantic
Film: The Little Mermaid 2023
Featured Characters: Ariel and Eric
The best thing in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is, by far, the romance between Princess Ariel and Prince Eric. Overall, it is similar to the original version, but the scenes we are familiar with feel fresh, and the additional moments ground both the characters and the relationship, making it feel even more believable.
The film follows the original blueprint while embellishing it in places to make it feel new and more mature. There is much more depth and nuance in Ariel and Eric’s relationship that builds throughout the film. It’s a true fairytale romance with magic that, at the core, feels as if it could be real in our world, too.
Ariel and Eric: Royal Obligations and Normal Passions
By following her passions, Ariel finds Eric after realizing she wants more from her life. She doesn’t become human to see him again. Yes, it did play a part in her decision, but her own fascination with humans and desire to live her own life, not one that her father has set up for her, leads Ariel back to Eric. Eric mirrors her own story. Much to his mother’s displeasure, he is drawn to the sea to explore and learn, making them kindred spirits.
In Ariel’s first encounter with Eric, she sees and hears him talking to Grimsby about his stressors, which echo her own. They are both royalty who are struggling to find their place while their passions pull them in different directions than what their parents want. They both want to get away from the established customs and rules. Eric says a bit more than Ariel regarding his troubles, but it’s easy to see that Ariel feels the same. It’s a huge reason why she is drawn to him in the first place. As Eric speaks, it’s like she sees herself as a human, only drawing her towards them even more. He shows her that humans aren’t what she thought, further proving her beliefs.
Additionally, they both long for adventure and to learn. Ariel’s own interest in learning about human culture is mirrored in Eric’s yearning to sail and collect on his travels. He wants to be someone who can connect with people to inform his eventual rule and for the joy of it. They are both naturally curious as well as questioning. They both choose not to accept things as they are, wonder how they can be better, and have plans for doing so. Ariel and Eric make a good team that can push each other to be better people and leaders.
Beyond the Siren’s Song
Even while Eric longs to find the girl who saved him, he is still drawn to Ariel when they meet. She even manages to take Eric’s mind off of his mystery girl. Their relationship starts on more secure ground as they get to know each other and bond over their shared interest in exploring and collecting. Even without words, Ariel can share some of her world with Eric in his study with the shell and rock he possesses. From that point, it’s clear that Eric is fascinated by her.
Eric is patient with Ariel and pays attention to her, understanding her without words. She finds a way to communicate, too. Their connection is instant, even if her siren’s song still haunts him. Eric’s curiosity and kindness make it easy for him to listen to Ariel and get to know her. Eric is drawn to her the more he gets to know Ariel. He is much more subdued in the palace because of his mother’s protectiveness. Ariel’s tenacity and excitement inspire Eric to let go and have fun. Eric comes out of his shell while they explore the island.
Once Eric learns her name (which is so adorable and a great additional scene), it is a major turning point in their relationship. Their feelings for each other become undeniable after the day they spend together. The romantic boat ride only cements it. Back at the castle, Eric confides in her; she listens and is attentive. She wants to learn as much as possible about him. She is just as observant as he is to her. It is effortless to have Eric talk too much and talk for her, but the balance they strike is perfect by virtue of the care he treats her with. His desire to get to know her is clear for everyone to see because he wants to be seen by her. I do love the change that Ariel does not remember that she has to kiss Eric for the spell to break, for it allows them to develop their feelings more naturally.
Therefore, when Ariel and Eric choose each other, there’s no going back. Their love is stronger than the siren’s song. Eric is still concerned with Ariel and searching for her even when he is fully under Ursula’s spell. Even when Ariel turns back into a mermaid, he doesn’t let her go. He fights for her. There is no hesitation. He views them as a team, even rushing into the ocean to save her as she once saved him.
In the aftermath of Ursula’s destruction, Eric is torn up over being apart from Ariel. His mother attempts to comfort him, only by reminding him that their worlds are supposed to stay separate. But they aren’t. Ariel and Eric bridge the two vastly different kingdoms together through love, bringing a new era between the land and sea. They represent hope for a brighter future that understands the past while forging something new.
In a nutshell, Ariel and Eric help set one another free from their pressures while also supporting each other in their futures. Their future is full of a cluttered castle and ship to themselves. They can add to their collections and enjoy what the world offers while continuing to grow as individuals and a pair. And in true Disney fairytale fashion, they do this while being kind and compassionate rulers who lead with curiosity. How they mirror each other only makes them stronger and allows them to see themselves and each other fully.
The Little Mermaid is now streaming on Disney Plus.