Among the numerous and super satisfying animated movies produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios throughout the years, children of all ages were absolutely starstruck when The Little Mermaid splashed into theaters in November 1989. With the film becoming a timeless classic that audiences talk about even today, the story of Ariel and Eric birthed an entire franchise that not only spawned a sequel but a prequel, a televised musical, and a live-action fantasy adaptation of the original, which just released in the past year and featured stars like Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy and Jonah Hauer-King in iconic character roles.
While these mermaid-centric releases were obviously not society’s first foray into the lore surrounding the human-like sea creature hybrid, Disney’s aquatic-based franchise did certainly help to launch the merfolk culture right into the firm grip of mainstream attention. Wanting to dive even deeper into a fandom that celebrates underwater worlds, Netflix has released a four-part documentary series that not only shows how the real-life art of mermaiding has evolved into a respectful passion project for many but also has transformed a half-a-billion-dollar industry over time as well.
Not only taking a look at the business as a whole, but the docuseries also examines some of the courageous and charismatic people who have found happiness and purpose within this space.
Creating Tails and Making Memories
Pieced together by the California-based film company Scout Productions and equally parts heartwarming as it is eye-opening, MerPeople graciously puts a spotlight on various personalities within the relatively unknown world. Mesmerized upon seeing a mermaid attraction that was put together in Weeki Wachee State Park when he was a young child, Eric Durchame (who is also known as the Mertailor) now has his own exotic aquarium and amusement center located in Florida where he showcases aquatic performers on a weekly basis for all ages.
While going through his story, viewers are taken on a trip through time and are introduced to some of the seniors who originally performed for Eric as a child.
Another name featured in MerPeople is the winner of both Miss Mermaid and Sea Queen of Arkansas in 2022, Mermaid Sparkles. She helps capture people’s emotions in this riveting documentary as she continuously challenges her limits to attain her dreams of being recognized for her talents on a grand scale. Even though her anxiety is sometimes overwhelming, viewers will resonate with her attitude of never giving up.
Another few names that have been highlighted include Eric Milligan, better known as The Blixunami, as well as Mermaid Che’ Monique. Now residing in the Bronx, Mr. Milligan not only considers the culture to be a hobby and a career but also a defining lifestyle. Being a positive and encouraging star throughout all four episodes, they have also uniquely brought their mermaid persona into new and uncharted areas by creating a music video called Splish Splash that shows their love and respect for the community.
Not afraid to be herself, Mermaid Che’ Monique is another guiding name in this exploding profession. Creating a size-inclusive organization called the Society of Fat Mermaids, belonging to a performing squad called the Circus Siren Pod, which travels all across the country and looking to start an online school for up-and-coming performers, Che’ Monique helps to bring the vibe of this documentary to another level by spreading body positivity and togetherness.
While they are both not afraid to share with the camera that their lives aren’t always as cheery and upbeat as what is depicted on screen, the mermaid community and all the people therein have always provided an escape that makes life exciting and welcoming.
With each episode of MerPeople being around forty-five minutes long, potential viewers have plenty of time to not only get to see each individual’s origin story and what they’re accomplishing to strengthen their persona and brand. Later, some of the aforementioned names (along with other prominent merfolk) come together on a Virgin Atlantic cruise ship vacation and participate in a friendly competition to see who becomes the King and Queen of the Sea.
Viewers of this new Netflix series should be happy to hear that Scout Productions already have much acclaim in the documentary and theatrical spheres. They are not only the showrunners behind the long-running Queer Eye for The Straight Guy and many of the related spin-offs but have also made intense thrillers like Session 9, which was directed by Brad Anderson and was made in 2001 as well as Transsiberian, which stars Woody Harrelson and was released seven years later in 2008.
Given that these small-budget projects were both well received by critics, MerPeople is guaranteed to be a fantastic journey into a whimsical world that many of us didn’t even know existed.
