The sea holds older secrets than Ariel ever imagined—and this time, love may not be enough to stop what’s coming.
Plot: The Depths Have Awakened
Years after Ariel reclaimed her voice and forged peace between land and sea, the ocean stirs once again—but not with song. In The Little Mermaid: Abyssal Rise, the tale takes a darker turn when an ancient underwater civilization, long hidden in the abyssal trenches, prepares to rise against the surface world.
Their reason? Ariel’s legacy.
Blaming her family’s past interference for upsetting the balance of oceanic power, the mysterious Empress Nerida readies her people for war. With tensions growing, Ariel’s rebellious daughter must decide where she stands—between her mother’s legacy and a future shaped by unrest.
Meanwhile, a human explorer uncovers truths that link the two worlds in ways no one expected.
Casting Waves: A New Generation, A Deeper Threat
- Saoirse Ronan as Queen Nerida
Commanding and enigmatic, Ronan’s sea empress leads the ancient deep-sea kingdom with wisdom sharpened by centuries of exile. Her vision for the ocean is absolute, and her patience has run out. - Caleb McLaughlin as the Human Explorer
A young scholar fascinated by ocean myths, McLaughlin’s character discovers more than just shipwrecks—he uncovers buried histories and becomes a crucial bridge between land and sea. - Emma Mackey as Ariel’s Rebellious Daughter
Caught between worlds and expectations, Mackey portrays a fierce and curious spirit determined to find her own voice in a story dominated by legends.
Tone: Mythic, Mature, and Majestic
Abyssal Rise brings a bold tonal shift to The Little Mermaid universe. Where the original was whimsical and romantic, this sequel embraces mythology, political tension, and emotional complexity. It’s a tale of generational conflict, forgotten empires, and the high cost of peace.
Visually, the film dives into stunning new underwater biomes, blending bioluminescent abyssal plains, ancient coral fortresses, and war-scarred ocean trenches. Think Aquaman meets Princess Mononoke—lush, layered, and hauntingly beautiful.
Themes: Legacy, Division, and the Price of Unity
The film explores what it means to carry the burden of peace in a world still fractured. Can old wounds be healed, or must the ocean rage before it finds calm again? Through its interwoven perspectives, Abyssal Rise asks whether we inherit the wars of our ancestors—or rise above them.
Conclusion: The Sea Has Secrets Yet to Tell
The Little Mermaid: Abyssal Rise expands the world of Ariel into something grander, deeper, and far more dangerous. With powerful performances and a story that blends mythology with modern dilemmas, it’s not just a sequel—it’s a reawakening of the sea’s ancient voice.