MERMAID -- The Florida Man Odyssey

Review by Steve Barton II

Dark comedy is a genre of film that can usually make the audience laugh, uncomfortably or otherwise, and also forces self reflection. The audience usually starts the journey treating the protagonist as a jester for their amusement and an easy target to place their insecurities. When it comes to Tyler Cornack’s Mermaid, it may be the surprise best of the year for independent genre films! Mermaid follows a drug-addicted Florida man, Doug (Johnny Pemberton) as he’s about to end his pathetic life when he spots a wounded creature that he discovers to be a real mermaid. As his fascination with the creature grows, his life falls further into dire straits and his highest priority is his new found love. 

Mermaid is shocking in a number of ways, but all of them are extremely positive! The quality of filmmaking itself in Mermaid is an incredible feat, especially on a small indie budget. The variety of camera shots and the editing aided in both giving it a polished look, just to sneak a jab into your gut with a terrifying monster. The way tension is built during the more “horrifying” scenes is masterful and leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. Mermaids have been depicted as horror creatures in cinema a few times before, but this one feels like the most believable in design and execution. While Mermaid is a horror film in its blended DNA, it’s also a classic dark comedy.

With Johnny Pemberton as the leading man, laughs were bound to happen, but no one could’ve expected such a great dramatic performance from him! His career prior to Mermaid has been almost entirely comedy and he has the chops to hang with the best. Even here where he’s opposite genre legends like Kevin Nealon and Kirk Fox in scenes, Johnny holds his own even as this subdued, drug-addicted loser of a character. While you start the film almost disliking Doug for being such a push-over and not trying harder in life (even for his daughter), as the story unfolds and we learn more about Doug’s past, he quickly wins you over with his subtle charm and wit that only Johnny could give him. We were also blessed with a supporting role from Robert Patrick where he proves once again why he’s been a go-to villain since Terminator 2! The cold open with Tom Arnold also sets the tone for the insanity you’re about to experience. 

The overall look, setting and story of Mermaid screams Florida in every moment and lets its freak flag fly! From the establishing shots of beaches and views of the ocean to the wide variety of sun-kissed characters we get (even in such a small cast) fills out the love letter to Florida that director Tyler Cornack was aiming for. He fills the film out with drug addicts, fisherman, strippers and dreamers alike. Florida hasn’t been represented this authentically since The Florida Project. Doug is the human embodiment of Florida and the king has found his scaly queen.

In the end, Mermaid is an indie darling that needs the recognition and praise it deserves! With a wonderful ensemble, a creepy practical creature and an often hilarious yet sad story around Doug trying to make the right choices in a world that doesn’t understand him. If you’ve ever felt lost or alone in this crazy world and dream of breaking out of your comfort zone, Doug may be more relatable than expected. In the vast ocean of creature features, it’s the perfect gems like Mermaid that make the lifelong journey through these waters worth it!

Mermaid is in select theaters starting April 8th! 

Rating: 5/5