The Mermaid

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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Timeline – The Mermaid (2016)

Trace every key event in The Mermaid (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Eloise Begins Her Tale

Eloise starts narrating her unique version of The Little Mermaid to her granddaughters. In her story, she tells of a mermaid princess who was tricked by a wizard, leading to dire consequences.

2

Cam's Concern for Elle

Cam, a young journalist, is depicted caring for his niece, Elle, who has an undiagnosed health condition. When Elle begins to cough, Cam takes her indoors, growing increasingly worried about her well-being.

3

Assignment to Investigate

Cam receives an assignment from his boss to investigate a circus act in Mississippi. The main performer, Locke, claims to have healing water from mermaids, prompting Cam to take on the investigation for Elle's sake.

Mississippi
4

Discovery at the Circus

Upon arriving at the circus, Cam and Elle are shocked to see a real mermaid trapped in a glass tank. This startling discovery raises many questions as they delve deeper into Locke's claims.

Circus
5

Investigating the Healing Water

The next day, Cam interviews multiple individuals who have used Locke's healing water. To his dismay, he learns that none of them experienced any genuine cures, leading him to suspect the entire setup as a scam.

6

Meeting Elizabeth

While walking in the woods, Cam and Elle encounter the mermaid again, who now has legs. She introduces herself as Elizabeth and explains her unique condition of having legs during low tide, sparking their curiosity.

Woods
7

Discovering Elizabeth's Imprisonment

Cam grows suspicious and sneaks back to the circus, where he overhears Locke and Sid discussing Elizabeth's imprisonment. He learns that Locke possesses a vial containing Elizabeth's soul, giving him a deeper understanding of the mermaid's plight.

Circus
8

Kidnapping of Elle

Locke kidnaps Elle, revealing that she possesses a rare 'heart of a mermaid.' This shocking turn of events sets the stage for Cam's desperate quest to rescue her, knowing her life is at risk.

9

Forming an Alliance

With the help of Thora, a fortune teller with magical powers, and Ulysses, a skilled strongman, Cam devises a plan to rescue Elle. They aim to retrieve Elizabeth's soul and free her from captivity at the circus.

10

The Great Escape

The group executes their rescue plan, releasing Elizabeth and escaping Locke's control. Along the way, they face various challenges, revealing the extent of Locke's cruelty as he pursues them.

11

Battle Against Locke

As they make their way to the ocean, Cam and his allies confront Locke and Sid in a fierce battle. The encounter culminates in a showdown where they must defeat Locke to ensure Elizabeth’s freedom.

Near the Ocean
12

Healing and Connection

With Locke defeated, Elizabeth regains her soul and is able to heal Elle. She shares a moment of intimacy with Elle, informing her that the ocean can provide comfort whenever she feels unwell, revealing Elle's mermaid heritage.

13

Cam's Exposé

After the events unfold, Cam writes a detailed exposé about Locke’s scams and the truth behind Elizabeth's story. Despite his doubts about whether anyone will believe him, he feels compelled to share the truth.

14

Eloise's Reveal

As Eloise's storytelling comes to an end, she experiences a coughing fit before smiling at her granddaughters. She surprises them by heading toward the water, unveiling that she has been Elle all along.

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

Unlock the Full Story of The Mermaid

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The Mermaid Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Mermaid, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Mermaid Summary

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.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Mermaid

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.

The Mermaid Ending Explained

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.

More About The Mermaid

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