The Little Mermaid live-action remake has been a topic of discussion and controversy, particularly regarding the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel. Despite the initial criticism, the film has been a resounding success, amassing over $400 million at the worldwide box office. This cinematic adventure not only delighted audiences with its stunning visuals and enchanting rendition of Ariel’s character, but it also unexpectedly awakened fears that lay dormant within many viewers. In this article, we will explore the concept of Thalassophobia and its presence throughout The Little Mermaid, highlighting the film’s underlying message of courage and resilience.
What is Thalassophobia?
Thalassophobia refers to the fear of the ocean or other vast bodies of water. Individuals with thalassophobia experience various triggers while watching The Little Mermaid, as the story unfolds in King Triton’s underwater kingdom. The fear may stem from the perceived vastness and emptiness of the ocean, the unknown creatures dwelling within its depths, or a combination of both. As viewers witness Ariel’s encounters with the deep-sea witch Ursula and the tension-filled shark attack, an unsettling fear of the ocean’s expanse becomes palpable.
The majority of The Little Mermaid’s scenes maintain a fun and cheery atmosphere, but select moments are definitely enough to trigger thalassophobia in the audience. One standout instance is the intense battle with a dark giant kraken towards the film’s end, which stands out as one of the scariest scenes Disney has produced in awhile.
Related Fears
Thalassophobia can be intertwined with other related fears, such as Cosmophobia, which entails a fear of the vast, dark emptiness of space. Both phobias share a common thread—the apprehension surrounding the vast and unknown. Just as Cosmophobia elicits a sense of awe and dread when contemplating the vastness of the universe, Thalassophobia provokes similar feelings when confronted with the immense depths of the ocean.
Additionally, Galeophobia, or the fear of sharks, can intensify the unease experienced by viewers. The Little Mermaid features a heart-pounding moment involving sharks that threaten Ariel and her companions. These scene can definitely give a fright to those with Galeophobia.
Original Little Mermaid vs Disney
While The Little Mermaid is often associated with the theme of rebellious love, the Hans Christian Andersen version of the tale delves deeper, emphasizing the significance of courage, sacrifice, love and the desire to transcend one’s predetermined fate. In the Disney adaptation, this essence remains largely intact as Ariel embarks on a journey that demands bravery and resilience. By venturing beyond the familiar depths of her ocean home, Ariel confronts her fears head-on and exhibits the unwavering determination required to achieve her dreams.
In the original story, Ariel’s love for Prince Eric is also intertwined with her yearning to earn a soul—a characteristic exclusive to humans, not bestowed upon mermaids. Mermaids, while long-lived and are stronger than humans, they lack the immortal soul that holds the promise of an existence beyond death. Ariel’s desire to become human and be with her prince surpasses her mermaid fate, driving her to defy the limitations imposed upon her.
Throughout the narrative, Ariel’s tenacity serves as an inspiration to viewers grappling with their own fears and insecurities. Her resolute pursuit of her desires, despite the risks and uncertainties, exemplifies the transformative power of courage. By embracing her individuality and striving for a life beyond the confines of her familiar underwater realm, Ariel symbolizes the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us.
The Little Mermaid live-action remake has proven to be much more than a visual spectacle, evoking unexpected fears within its viewers. Thalassophobia, the fear of the ocean and its vastness, becomes a presence felt as the film’s narrative unfolds for many viewers. However, amid the fears lies a message of courage and love. Ariel’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of bravery, encouraging audiences to confront their fears and embrace their own unique paths (yes, this includes phobias haha).
As we navigate the depths of our own lives, we can draw inspiration from Ariel’s unwavering determination and willingness to challenge the status quo. The Little Mermaid, in all its splendor and unexpected fears, reminds us that true courage is not merely a rebellion against the norm but a call to embrace the unknown and fearlessly chart our own course in life’s.
