The Mermaid

Year: 2016

Runtime: 94 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Stephen Chow

Sci-FiDramaFantasyRomance

Facing the destruction of her underwater home, a mystical mermaid embarks on a forbidden romance with a real estate developer. As their love deepens, he must choose between his ambitions and protecting her world from an ancient, looming threat. Time is running out for the mermaid and her people as a sinister force approaches, endangering the ocean's depths and the delicate balance of their kingdom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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The Mermaid (2016) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Mermaid (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Eloise shares a captivating and imaginative rendition of The Little Mermaid with her two curious granddaughters. In this enchanting story, a mermaid princess falls victim to a cunning wizard who steals her soul, resulting in an eternity far from the ocean she cherishes and enslaved in a world that is not her own. However, when the girls dismiss this intriguing tale as mere fantasy, Eloise transitions to recounting a more personal narrative about a girl she once met who had a real-life encounter with a mermaid that changed everything.

As the tale unfolds, we are introduced to Cam, a young journalist striving to balance his work while caring for his niece, Elle, who suffers from a mysterious and uncurable ailment. One day, while Cam is engrossed in writing a letter, he notices Elle having a coughing fit, prompting immediate concern for her delicate health. This moment of vulnerability leads to him receiving an assignment from his boss to investigate a circus performer in Mississippi named Locke, who claims to possess a miraculous “mermaid healing water.” Despite his skepticism, the urgent need to help Elle propels Cam into a world of myth and magic, as he hopes that this water could offer a cure for her condition.

Upon visiting the circus, Cam and Elle are astonished to discover a real mermaid encased in a glass tank, an image that sparks hope yet raises questions. The following day, Cam embarks on a series of interviews to probe the stories of those who have tried Locke’s so-called water, only to uncover that none of them truly found relief. Skeptical of the whole charade, he begins to suspect that the mermaid’s presence is simply part of Locke’s elaborate con.

Then a twist in the tale occurs when, while wandering through the woods, Cam and Elle once again cross paths with the mermaid, who now possesses legs. She introduces herself as Elizabeth and explains that her legs manifest during low tide, creating a moment of wonder and understanding. However, their conversation is abruptly cut short when Elizabeth feels the urge to return to the circus. Cam’s instincts urge him to investigate further, and he stealthily returns to the circus, eavesdropping on a sinister conversation between Locke and his underling, Sid, revealing Elizabeth’s dire situation. Locke has captured her soul in a vial, a dark secret that leaves Cam deeply troubled.

In a turn of events filled with danger, Locke kidnaps Elle, revealing a shocking truth: she possesses the unique “heart of a mermaid,” which he intends to exploit for his own gain. This revelation ignites a fierce determination within Cam, prompting him to rescue his beloved niece. With the support of Thora, a fortune teller endowed with magical powers, and Ulysses, a strongman renowned for his fighting prowess, Cam embarks on a quest not just to save Elle, but also to liberate Elizabeth from her glass prison. Along their perilous journey, they unearth that Thora and Ulysses themselves were once victims of Locke’s cruel deceit, having been drawn into his circus through cunning trickery.

The tension escalates as the group strives to escape to the ocean, facing Locke and Sid in a battle of wits and strength. Locke, revealing his own magical abilities, poses a formidable threat, but ultimately, the alliance between Cam, Thora, and Ulysses shines through as they fight for their freedom and the redemption of Elizabeth. In a moment of triumph, they reclaim Elizabeth’s soul, allowing her the liberty she so desperately craves. With Locke vanquished, Elizabeth utilizes her powers to heal Elle, imparting wisdom that a swim in the ocean will always aid her when she feels unwell, due to her secret mermaid lineage.

As their adventure nears its conclusion, Cam shares a poignant kiss with Elizabeth before she returns to the ocean, embodying a bittersweet farewell. Cam, now energized with the truth, pens a riveting exposé about Locke’s scams and the realities faced by Elizabeth, despite harboring doubts about whether anyone will truly embrace such a fantastical narrative.

In a twist returning us to the present, Eloise completes her enchanting story, coughing gently as she smiles at her granddaughters. In a surprising turn of events, she proclaims that it’s time for a swim, rising to walk toward the water with a glint of mischief and nostalgia in her eyes. The granddaughters follow closely behind, suddenly realizing the incredible truth: Eloise was Elle all along, intertwining their realities with the magical fables of the past.

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of The Mermaid?

Still wondering what the ending of The Mermaid (2016) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

Ariel’s story culminates with her overcoming Ursula’s treachery to be with Prince Eric. After Ursula, disguised as a beautiful woman with Ariel’s voice, tricks Eric into believing she is his savior, Ariel quickly realizes something is wrong when she sees Eric about to marry Ursula. Using her own resourcefulness, she grabs her voice from Ursula’s necklace, regains her ability to sing and communicate, and rushes to stop the wedding. Just as Eric is about to say “I do,” Ariel’s voice is restored, and she sings to him, confirming her identity and her love for him. However, time is running out—she needs to seal her love with a true love’s kiss before sunset, or she’ll be forced back into her mermaid form and Ursula will take control of the sea forever.

As the final seconds tick away, Ariel and Eric nearly kiss, but Ursula intervenes, grabbing Ariel and pulling her into the sea. Ursula amplifies her power, transforming into her monstrous sea witch form, and attempts to dominate both the land and the sea. In the chaos, Ariel fights to save herself and her loved ones, managing to strike Ursula with a ship’s prow, which causes Ursula to fall into the ocean and be defeated. With Ursula gone, Triton’s magic is restored when he is struck by Ursula’s trident, and he comes back to life, realizing how much Ariel means to him.

The story concludes with Ariel becoming human and marrying Eric, symbolizing the union of land and sea, fostering harmony between the two worlds. Triton, witnessing his daughter’s happiness, finally understands that allowing her to follow her dreams and be true to herself is the greatest act of love. The kingdoms of humans and mermaids begin a new era of friendship, and although their worlds have been separated most of the story, by the end they are united in hope for the future.

Ariel’s story reaches its climax when she manages to expose Ursula’s deception just in time to save her love for Eric. After Ursula, disguised as a stunning woman with Ariel’s voice, tries to win Eric over, Ariel quickly realizes something is wrong when she sees him about to marry Ursula. Using her wit, she grabs her voice from Ursula’s necklace, regains her ability to sing and speak, and rushes to stop the wedding. As Eric is about to say “I do,” Ariel’s voice returns, and she sings her true love song, proving her identity and feelings. But she must act fast—if she doesn’t get Eric to kiss her before sunset, she will lose her human form and Ursula will take command of the seas forever.

The clock is almost out as Ariel and Eric are in a boat, and Ursula, in her monstrous sea witch form, appears and pulls Ariel underwater. Ursula’s plan is to enslave both land and sea, but Ariel’s friends—Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle—try to help. With Eric’s distraction, Ariel fights back and manages to hit Ursula with a ship’s prow, causing her to tumble into the ocean and die. This defeat restores Triton’s magic, and he is revived, finally understanding how much Ariel means to him and recognizing that love and happiness are worth more than fear and prejudice.

In the end, Triton withdraws his objections, grants Ariel her wish to become human permanently by using his trident, and Ariel marries Eric. Their union symbolizes a new harmony where humans and mermaids can coexist peacefully. Triton, having seen Ariel’s happiness, realizes that respecting her dreams and choices is the ultimate act of love. The story closes with the kingdoms of the land and sea celebrating their newfound friendship, suggesting that their worlds, once separated by mistrust, are now united in hope for a better future.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

Unlock the Full Story of The Mermaid

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Mermaid in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Mermaid is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Mermaid Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Mermaid with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Mermaid

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Mermaid. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

The Mermaid Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Mermaid? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

More About The Mermaid

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Mermaid: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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