A Tale of Unconventional Romance: Ariel and Eric's Surprising Love Story

Viewers of the live-action The Little Mermaid have fallen in love with the romance between Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). As Ariel's connection to the surface world relies on her relationship with Eric, their romance has always been a crucial element of Disney's The Little Mermaid. The remake alters Ariel's motivation by emphasizing her desire for freedom to explore the surface world, while adding a more charming friendship element to her relationship with Eric, resulting in a more natural love story. Social media has widely agreed that the live-action version has improved the depth of their dynamic, with some even calling for a sequel to continue their love story.

Why The Ariel And Eric Love Story Is So Different

Ariel's character in The Little Mermaid is given more depth and agency, allowing her to play an equal and active role in her relationship with Eric. The film explores their similarities and ambitions, highlighting the reasons why they are drawn to each other. With 52 extra minutes of screen time, the live-action version allows for more intimate moments between the two characters, such as the scene where Ariel explains her name to Eric. This change adds a layer of realism to their romance and makes it feel more natural and heartwarming.

The on-screen chemistry between the two actors in The Little Mermaid is undeniable, as many fans have noted. Even without dialogue, the characters' connection feels authentic and makes it clear that they are close friends with a shared sense of adventure. While the original animated film established their relationship well, the live-action version takes it to a new level with the dynamic between Ariel and Eric in 2023's upcoming release.