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.
