Starring: Johnny Pemberton, Avery Potemri, Kevin Nealon, Kirk Fox, Julia Larson, Devyn McDowell, and Tom Arnold, alongside Robert Patrick and Kevin Dunn, this haunting indie comedy/drama is from director and writer Tyler Cornack.
Set in Florida, where the strange often feels completely normal, MERMAID is a bold and emotionally resonant film from writer-director Tyler Cornack. Blending dark humour with raw character drama, Cornack delivers a unique story that explores addiction, loneliness, and the human need for connection in the most unexpected way.
The film centers on Doug Nelson (Johnny Pemberton), a deeply troubled man struggling with Percocet addiction. At one of the lowest points in his life, Doug discovers a wounded mermaid washed ashore. What begins as simple curiosity transforms into a complicated and deeply unhealthy bond, fueled by isolation and substance abuse. As Doug’s mental state deteriorates, his attachment grows more intense, pulling him into a downward spiral that feels both tragic and unsettling.
Cornack leans into his fascination with Florida culture, fully embracing the unpredictable “Florida Man” energy while crafting a story that is as bizarre as it is oddly touching. The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing its characters and themes to breathe, with moments of dark humour adding a layer of unexpected levity. Doug is not an easy character to root for; he’s unreliable, emotionally distant, and struggling to be present in his young daughter’s life. His social awkwardness and poor decisions isolate him further, even costing him his job after an ill-advised attempt at connection through a poem that remains a mystery to the audience.
Doug’s life continues to unravel as his relationship with his daughter deteriorates. Everything shifts when he encounters the injured mermaid, introduced earlier in the film in a shocking opening sequence involving a man named Todd (Tom Arnold). From there, the connection between Doug and the creature evolves in unusual ways. Though the mermaid cannot speak, communicating only through high-pitched sounds, the two begin to understand each other on a deeper, almost emotional level. This dynamic leads to several memorable scenes, including a chaotic and darkly comedic moment at his daughter’s birthday party that does not go as planned.
Importantly, Doug’s attachment to the mermaid is not driven by anything romantic or physical. Instead, it stems from a longing to feel something real, something he’s been missing for a long time. This emotional dependency becomes even more complicated as Doug finds himself in trouble with local drug dealers Ron Bocca (Robert Patrick) and his son Gator Bocca (Tyler Rice), both of whom demand repayment and are not to be taken lightly.
The performances across the board elevate the film. Johnny Pemberton delivers a career-best performance, shedding the comedic energy seen in projects like Superstore and 21 Jump Street in favour of a restrained, deeply human portrayal. His subtle, low-key approach makes Doug’s unravelling feel authentic and grounded. Robert Patrick once again proves his versatility, balancing menace and absurdity with ease, while Tyler Rice brings a quirky unpredictability to Gator. Avery Potemri, fully transformed under intricate full-body makeup, gives the mermaid, nicknamed “Destiny” by Doug, a surprising emotional presence despite having no dialogue. Kevin Nealon also makes a small but interesting appearance as Keith (Doug’s ex-girlfriend’s new beau).
MERMAID is ultimately a slow-burning, character-driven film that embraces its strange premise while delivering genuine emotional depth. It captures the spirit of the “Florida Man” phenomenon without losing sight of its humanity, resulting in a film that is both offbeat and deeply affecting. Strange, heartfelt, and unforgettable, MERMAID is the kind of cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll, and one you definitely won’t want to throw back into the ocean.
FIN
MERMAID In Select Theatres April 8, 2026
MERMAID Ticketing Website Link
https://mermaid.utopia.film/
