My first association I have when hearing the word mermaid (probably because of my kids) is Ariel and the famous fairytale. Mermaids are mythical creatures that have featured in a lot of stories and there are even people who are sure that they’ve actually seen one (including Christopher Columbus). The idea of them is beautiful, as the sea can be wild and without mercy, mermaids always look beautiful and are able to save people from drowning. Maybe that’s the reason they are some kind of comfort, something to hold onto. Despite the title of this documentary, it actually isn’t about these creatures, but about the fascination people have with the sea. Director Coco Schrijber tells three stories about Lex, Rebecca and Miguel whose fate is strongly tied to the sea.
Her brother Lex disappeared during a diving holiday with friends and was never found. She decides to visit the place and search for an explanation for his disappearance, even though she knows she’ll never be able to find an answer to the question what exactly happened. Was he attacked or did he choose to die there himself? It’s the exact same question Rebecca’s parents ask themselves. She worked on a huge cruiseship and during that journey she disappeared. The last footage she was seen on show her disoriented, walking on deck, but what happened after no one knows. Miguel is the only man who actually appears himself. His situation in Mexico seems hopeless and he wants to reach America paddling on his surfboard. The question is whether or not he’ll survive the journey.
According to Schrijber to documentary isn’t about “the will to survive”, but “the will to die”. A serious subject which is beautifully presented by cameraman Lars Jespersen-Skree, who previously filmed The Act of Killing. Just like the people who were left behind after the disappearances, the viewer is left with unaswered questions as well. This gives you a bit of an idea how much impact those questions can have on the loved ones who still struggle. Meeting a mermaid could bring some comfort.
