Mermaids' Lament

I was given an opportunity to see this film near me and it was definitely worth seeing this fish out of water story. We have two main characters, Justina Mattos as Nell, who plays a therapist trying to help Dayva Summer Escobar, playing Oee, a mermaid who is trapped on land.

Shot in the town of Hilo, Hawaii, this film shows the beauty of the town and ocean areas and gives a terrific backdrop for the main characters. It's always a treat when small towns get used in films and Hilo natives will recognize areas used in the movie. Special shoutouts to the underwater sequences that were beautifully shot.

We have two main characters and surprisingly little dialogue between them. What is there is golden. Nell is totally believable in her seeking to help Oee whom she believes to be a troubled homeless girl who also thinks she is a mermaid. There's one scene in particular that shows just how bad-ass Nell can be. Oee has little dialogue, but that gives the opportunity for Escobar to show off her acting with facial expressions, movements and emotions. She's absolutely adorable and deserves recognition. Her smile when playing with an umbrella should be what plays when you open a birthday present. I dare you not to smile along.

If you have the means to watch it, I strongly urge you to do so. You will be happier after.

GB's new film beautifully intertwines the mystical world of mermaids with poignant reflections on mental health and the devastating effects of human waste and pollution. Through captivating storytelling, imagery and performance by Dayva, he's crafted a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

My favorite part about the film which was also my least favorite was how Nell came in to save the day with zero expectations like the white savior that we see in so many Hollywood films. Nell's journey in the story reveals that she is a covert narcissist exploiting Oee for her own benefit to further the book she is writing.

Without giving away spoilers the ending will leave you wondering what is fact and fiction. I usually don't like these types of endings bc I find them lazy but this one was sincerely a thoughtful and creative choice.

If you're a fan of Eliseo Subiela's Man Facing Southeast, you'll love this film as well. This isn't The Little Mermaid. No cute lovey dovey junior high sentiments. It deals with suicide, anxiety, trauma and possibly rape, but it does so with hope always in the periphery in the form of mermaids. And the ocean, can be perceived as both threatening and a sanctuary. As Evan Dossey of the Midwest Film Journal writes, "The seas play a pivotal role, both symbolic and literal, for both of the women, and it's by far the most successful element of his film." Storytelling is most powerful when it embraces its mythological roots with metaphor and allegory, and Mermaids' Lament embraces that past fully.

Hope you enjoy the experience.

A throughly magical film, Mermaids' Lament carries you into two women's search for life balance after trauma. You see plenty of mermaids, the depths of their ocean and its beauty: and you see the two women, each also finding what she needs in the sea. The drama is fast moving with just enough time in fascinating situations for you to be drawn into the action and to wonder how those mesmerizing effects happened. The answer is: sensational camera work in the natural world. This, combined with transporting music, excellent color resolution, and the compelling story, bring an extraordinary adventure to the screen.

The movie is also a tribute to the beauty of a small town in Hawaii, and the people who live there and appreciate both the land and the surrounding sea. Caring for each other and the place they all live is vitally important. They are mindful that nothing is taken for granted, nothing in life guaranteed and protecting the land and sea, each doing what he can, helps bring a better future to all, even mermaids.

Mermaids Lament is a powerful and emotionally charged film that takes viewers on a journey through trauma, healing, and sustainability. Shot on the beautiful Big Island in Hawaii, the film explores the deep connection between helping others and healing oneself. As my husband and I watched the movie, we were captivated by the range of emotions we felt, from anxiety and fear to hope and joy.

The acting in Mermaids Lament is top-notch, with each actor delivering a compelling and authentic performance. The writing is thought-provoking and engaging, delving into complex themes of trauma and redemption. GB Hajim's direction is masterful, drawing viewers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

One of the standout aspects of Mermaids Lament is its focus on sustainability, particularly ocean pollution and waste. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the impact our actions have on the world around us.

Overall, Mermaids Lament is a must-see independent film that showcases the talent and creativity of its creators. I am proud of my friend GB Hajim for his incredible accomplishment and highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.