Director GB Hajim’s Mermaid’s Lament Features At Dances with Films 2023

Mermaid’s Lament is a meaningful and worthwhile drama about grief, trauma, and resilience. It tells the story of two women who find strength through each other despite their struggles. Oee, played by Dayva Summer Escobar, is a traumatized woman who has lost her voice. This film alludes to the possibility she’s a mermaid. Her self-imposed therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, and attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world. Director GB Hajim and the production team gathered their collective experiences with suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma, sexual assault, and anxiety to develop this psychological drama steeped in magical realism.

With vulnerable lead characters, beautifully shot picturesque scenes, good cinematography, and important references to climate change and the state of our environment, it’s not difficult to appreciate the many qualities in this film and the very art of filmmaking. However, whilst the acting is plausible under Hajim’s direction, I found the film’s slow pace removed much-required energy and potency to carry audiences across its 90-minute duration. A further subtle exploration of traumas and battles with anxiety would have made it more insightful and impactful. In conclusion, although it lacks some entertainment value, it is a well-enough constructed film to evoke further discussions on the matters addressed.

The movie screens this June 25th at 9:30 pm at the TCL Chinese Theater as part of Dances with Films.

Movie Rating: 2.5 stars.

Movie Rating Guide

1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Great for the Fans
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)

 

 

Images:DayvaEscobar.as.Oee.Camera.RonnMurray/ JustinaMattos.as.NellJamison.Camera.RoselioHernandez

 

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