Invasion of the Mermaids (2025) is a dark fantasy adventure that reimagines the myth of mermaids through a thrilling, apocalyptic lens. The story begins in a small coastal town called Greyhaven, where strange phenomena begin to occur — tides that rise too high, mysterious disappearances of fishermen, and haunting songs echoing across the foggy sea at night. Marine biologist Dr. Evelyn Shaw, played by Margot Robbie, returns to her hometown after decades away to investigate the growing ecological crisis, only to discover that it is not a natural disaster but the beginning of something far more terrifying.
As Evelyn dives deeper into her research, she uncovers an ancient prophecy about a forgotten ocean kingdom that was once banished by humanity’s greed and pollution. The mermaids, long believed to be mythical creatures, have returned not as enchanting beauties but as vengeful warriors determined to reclaim the oceans from humankind. Their queen, Nerissa, portrayed by Zendaya, commands an army of aquatic hybrids capable of walking on land under the moonlight. The film paints them not as simple monsters but as tragic beings fighting for survival in a world destroyed by human arrogance.
When the mermaids begin their invasion, ships are dragged beneath the waves, entire coastal cities flood overnight, and governments scramble to respond to an enemy unlike any they have faced before. Evelyn teams up with a naval officer, Captain Marcus Hale (played by Jason Momoa), to uncover a way to communicate with the mermaids and stop the war before it consumes both land and sea. Their uneasy alliance is tested as they realize that humanity’s survival might depend on accepting the mermaids’ demand for balance — even if it means losing much of what humans have built.
The film’s middle acts are filled with breathtaking underwater cinematography and haunting visuals of ruined cities swallowed by the ocean. Through flashbacks, we learn about Nerissa’s past and her bond with her human lover centuries ago, whose betrayal triggered her hatred for mankind. This emotional depth adds complexity to the conflict, making the audience question who the true villains are — the humans who poisoned the oceans or the mermaids seeking vengeance.
As the invasion escalates, Evelyn discovers that she shares a mysterious connection with Nerissa, one that could either heal the rift or doom both species. The final act is a sweeping, emotionally charged battle beneath stormy skies, where Evelyn risks everything to prove that coexistence is possible. The climax intertwines science and myth as the ancient portal between worlds threatens to collapse, forcing Evelyn to make an impossible choice that could change the fate of humanity forever.
In the end, Invasion of the Mermaids (2025) blends environmental commentary with mythic storytelling, offering a powerful reflection on the consequences of neglecting nature. With stunning visuals, emotional performances, and a haunting score that mirrors the call of the sea, the film stands as both a warning and a love letter to the fragile bond between mankind and the ocean. It reminds viewers that the sea never forgets — and one day, it may come to reclaim what was once its own.
