Christian Family Movie Review: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023): Cultural Changes & Biblical Values
4/15/2026
Disney’s The Little Mermaid returned to the spotlight with its 2023 live-action remake, sparking conversations about its updates, cultural relevance, and alignment with family values. Released in May 2023, this reimagining of the 1989 animated classic introduces a fresh take on Ariel’s underwater adventure. For parents, Christian families, and fans of the original, understanding what’s new—and what it means—is key.
What is the new Little Mermaid Movie?
The 2023 live-action Little Mermaid movie is an adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film, which in turn was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Directed by Rob Marshall, the movie stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, the mermaid princess (daughter of King Triton) who is entranced by the human world. After rescuing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from a shipwreck, Ariel strikes a deal with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) to trade her voice for legs, hoping to win “true love’s kiss” from Prince Eric—which she must do within three days, or she will turn back into a mermaid and be forever subject to Ursula.
What’s New in the New Little Mermaid Movie?
The new film is mostly true to the earlier story but introduces updated elements, new songs, and an artful blend of CGI and live-action. Its running time is also longer, clocking in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, nearly an hour longer than the original.
Other changes include the casting of Halle Bailey, a Black actress, as Ariel, marking a significant shift from the red-haired, white mermaid of the 1989 film. In addition, King Triton’s daughters all represent diverse races, reflecting the seven seas.
The 2023 film features updated lyrics of familiar songs such as “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” (revised to emphasize consent and female empowerment, aligning with twenty-first century sensibilities), as well as new songs, “Wild Uncharted Waters,” “For the First Time,” and the rap-infused duet, "The Scuttlebutt."
Ariel’s motivations have shifted a bit in the live-action version, focusing more on a desire to make her own choices than romance, and a new backstory for Ursula reveals her as Triton’s sister.
A few less-well-received changes involve the perceived artificial feel of the new film’s CGI underwater scenes and darker, more intense moments, such as a realistic shark attack and an even more imposing Ursula—departure’s from the animated version’s lighter tone.
What Cultural Changes Since the First Little Mermaid Have Affected This New Version?
Significant societal shifts since the original film’s 1989 release have shaped the new version. The casting of Halle Bailey reflects a cultural demand for more diverse role models to the exclusively white Disney princesses of earlier eras. Ariel’s motivations were inspired by the Me Too movement and the need for control and consent in romantic relationships. And the new film even gives a nod to ecological concerns, with Triton criticizing humans’ deleterious impact on our planet’s oceans.
How Does the New Little Mermaid Movie Compare to the Teachings and Values of the Bible?
As in most (all?) storytelling that engages the viewer (or reader), the basic things that make a character sympathetic, even heroic, can’t be ignored—such as Ariel’s courage (Joshua 1:9) and King Triton’s sacrificial love for Ariel (1 John 4:10). But the depiction of Ursula’s witchery—magic powers and spell-casting—crosses a line that the Bible warns against (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Ariel’s defiance of her father, while it will certainly ring true with common struggles, especially for adolescents, contrasts with the biblical standard of honoring one’s parents (Ephesians 6:1), perhaps especially since her disobedience is crucial to the happy ending. On the other hand, the movie’s emphasis on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness could offer discussion points for parents and kids.
Is the New Little Mermaid Movie Appropriate for Children?
The Little Mermaid is rated PG, so it’s generally considered suitable for older children. Still, some scenes—such as the shark chase, a fiery shipwreck, and Ursula’s menacing presence—could be too intense for younger kids. The film is also not completely free of violence (for example, the death of a trident), and Ursula’s magic give the 2023 version a darker edge compared to the earlier version.
Is the New Little Mermaid Movie Likely to Be Acceptable to Christian Families?
While Christian outlets such as Plugged In have praised the movie’s charm, the magic in the story might trouble some Christian parents. And, though the culturally-sensitive updates caused some negative reactions at the time of the movie’s release, the impact of those changes has turned out to be largely positive.
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