Mermaids' Lament (2023) User Reviews

A wonderful, surprising and beautiful film.

[russell-77061 · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

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.

Touches your heart and nourishes your soul.

[lauraleesnook · 10/10 · 19 November 2023]

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.

Heartfelt psychological drama steeped in magical realism

[snnmxv · 10/10 · 19 November 2023]

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.

Beautifully Shot and Wonderfully Uplifting

[tra_vis · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

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.

Powerful and emotionally charged, it is a must see!

[coraspearman · 10/10 · 6 May 2024]

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.

Leaves you believing in the magic of mermaids

[mdncycsvr · 10/10 · 16 December 2023]

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.

Thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the credits roll

[Nabs1004 · 10/10 · 14 May 2024]

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.

Surrendered on the plot, focused on the visuals

[Skippy_the_Wonderdog · 8/10 · 24 February 2024]

Films should be visual, Alfred Hitchcock said. And we can assume he didn't mean CGI-visual.

There's no CGI in this film, which might be surprising. And at least half the scenes are shot in water. That's a challenge. The "mermaids" in some of the water scenes are not created with software. They are real people swimming off the shores of Hawaii.

There's a scene of stars that's stunning, and a time-lapse of cars traveling at dusk that you are not likely to forget.

There is no true denouement in this film. It's mostly a two-actor film, and as much a film of inference as implication.

There's an upbeat dance scene in the middle that provides relief from the stern tenor of the plot.

For some odd reason, it reminded me of the Dutch film, "The Vanishing," although there's no logical reason for anyone else to draw that conclusion, and the resolution to this film is more upbeat than that dire ending.

This film struck me as what many Americans would call "a foreign film" back in the '50s and '60s.

It's precisely edited, has a score that will likely go unnoticed - as is true of many film that don't have John Williams in the credits - and a visually fascinating bit of work.