Mermaids' Lament

Mermaid's Lament is a very compelling film. I couldn't look away. The cinematography is so beautiful, the story is delightful, the characters are believable. We found ourselves cheering for both the main characters. Our commitment to the characters was richly rewarded in the end.

For me it has just the right balance of light and dark scenes. It's a remarkably good movie and I hope you go see it.

It's an independent film located in Hawaii, which made it extra fun to watch. GB Hajim has hit it out of the park on this film, and both Dayva Escobar and Justina Mattos show a surprising depth of character and maturity in their roles.

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.

This movie is breathtaking in its ability to covey trauma, struggle, transformation and joy.

With stunning visuals, rare and immersive acting talent, precise and compassionate directing, and most amazingly, few words needed.

The acting and directing are on par with any big budget movie out there, the cinematography is on point, and the locations around Hawaii island (above and below the waves) are stunning

There is also a strong environmental message that struck a personal emotional chord, the need to care for the abuse of our planet is in itself a response to human suffering and trauma

It is perfection.

From the gentle symbolisms such as Oees early encounter with a fellow escaped captive and stranger in a stranger land, to her fascination with the umbrella constantly seeking to fly free as Oee longed to do with a return to the sea this movie spoke volumes. Amazing to pull this off with only 2 characters and very little dialog but pull it off they did!

The issues faced by both characters seem insurmountable which makes the ending that much more beautiful and touching.

If you're looking for a movie that is alive with feeling and connections, between both people and this earth we live on this is a must see.

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.