Merpeople is a 4-part docuseries about the unique career of underwater performing and all the challenges it brings with it in this half-a-billion dollar industry. The series is streaming on Netflix.
Story
Performing as a Merperson is an art form that has existed since the 60s but thanks to social media and cultural shifts within the world, it is a career that so many others flock to.
People attempt to make a living out of being an underwater performer, juggling multiple jobs and scraping through until they get that one big break that sets them up for the near future.
It allows people to fulfill their dreams and express themselves in a safe space, free from judgment. However, it isn’t always easy and these people go through many hardships to get to where they want to be and some don’t even manage to get that far.
It’s not just performing that being a Merperson involves, there are different avenues that one can pursue and it truly is a career that has blossomed in these progressive times.
Positives
The series has been shot magnificently, capturing all the beauty underwater and the wonder in the eyes of the audiences whenever they see these performers. There are some wonderful moments, especially in Mermaid Sparkles’ journey that rate heartwarming to watch.
There are some truly inspiring individuals focused on in this series their stories are what makes it interesting.
Negatives
MerPeople brushes over the more difficult parts of going into this profession and whenever one of their subjects is going through a tough time, the audience only gets a brief look at the situation before moving on.
What did Mermaid Sparkles do between her audition for Mertailor and the convention? What about Ryan’s struggle with addiction which was only given a short focus?
Even the obvious question of harassment was limited to one discussion where they joke about the comments they had to face without really confronting the issue.
Verdict
MerPeople is a docu-series that is colorful and vibrant and spreads a happy message without getting too deep within the muck and grime that is involved with being an underwater performer or a Merperson. It tells some interesting stories of wonderful people the audiences can’t help but root for although it doesn’t push the envelope enough.
MerPeople
Director: Cynthia Wade
Date Created: 2023-05-23 12:30
2.5
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