Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach follows two sisters, Lily (Ellie Bindman) and Sophie (Georgia Grace), as they move with their mother and stepdad to a new town by the sea. As they begin to get accustomed to their new home, they make a startling discovery that changes their lives forever.

Going into Mermaid Beach blind is one of the most rewarding aspects of the piece, as it offers a sense of awe and subverts expectations from a regular coming-of-age narrative feature. As the film was made in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, the filmmakers make the most of the environmental aspects, showcasing gorgeous drone photography overlooking the wonderful landscapes of the area. The sound of the ocean and the waves is a primary focus of the sensory aspect and feels thematically present in the film's ideas. Building on this, the musical score is whimsical and upbeat, matching the waves and wholesome tone of the narrative. Raffaele Nocerino, serving as the film's cinematographer, primarily shoots most scenes with a plethora of wides and switches to close-ups during more intimate character moments. The use of underwater photography is astounding and feels incredibly visceral through the use of point-of-view camerawork.

Despite the film's budget constraints, the make-up and costuming are commendable and feel effective during the fantasy elements of the narrative. Adrian Abbott, serving as the film's editor, ensures the pace flows incredibly well, considering the substantial amount of material covered throughout the runtime. The pacing is steady as the narrative unfolds slowly, revealing aspects of the protagonist’s identity as they come to fruition, and the film flows remarkably. However, despite the editing flowing well throughout, the film suffers from a prolonged conclusion that feels like it is going to end multiple times before it eventually does. The film also explores themes of grief and self-discovery, two core aspects of the central character’s arc throughout the narrative.

While the family dynamic at the core of the story is somewhat derivative of other family films with the daughter attempting to fit into a new life, the performances and fantasy elements elevate the material. The emotional resonance is another effective aspect of the family dynamic that works incredibly well to elevate the piece. The filmmakers also employ a heart-warming environmental message about protecting the ocean, which is highly pivotal given the film's subject matter and emphasis on the ocean. Despite the first two acts of the film being slower and more focused on Lily’s character development, aspects of the third act are incredibly thrilling with a minor jarring tonal shift.

All the central performances are wonderful, particularly Ellie Bindman's portrayal of Lily, as her character evokes a great level of warmth and care in the narrative. Georgia Grace's portrayal of Sophie is another standout performance, as her innocence and love for her older sister are poignant and at the heart of the film's central themes.

Mermaid Beach is a wholesome family feature that blends a wonderfully grounded coming-of-age narrative with fantasy elements. While the conclusion may drag a little too long with false conclusions, it's a worthwhile effort that boasts some terrific performances and a well-paced narrative structure.