Mermaid is a 2025 American action comedy horror thriller film written and directed by Tyler Cornack. The film stars Johnny Pemberton as a troubled Florida man who discovers an injured mermaid and attempts to protect her. The cast also includes Kevin Nealon, Kirk Fox, Tom Arnold, Devyn McDowell, Julia Valentine Larson, Robert Patrick, and Kevin Dunn.
The film premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on March 11, 2025. Following its festival debut, Utopia acquired North American distribution rights. The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on April 8, 2026.
Doug, a troubled Florida man struggling with addiction and personal setbacks, discovers an injured mermaid and takes her home to nurse her back to health. As rumors about the creature spread, he becomes increasingly determined to protect her from those seeking to exploit or harm her.
The film was written and directed by Tyler Cornack. It was produced by Daniel Brandt, Dane Eckerle, and Cole Eckerle through the production company Bad Grey.
Principal photography took place prior to its 2025 festival premiere. The film blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and thriller genres.
Mermaid premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 11, 2025, as part of the Narrative Spotlight section. Following its festival debut, the independent distributor Utopia acquired North American distribution rights to the film. The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on April 8, 2026.
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Mermaid holds an approval rating of 100% based on 11 critic reviews.
Critical response following the film's festival screenings noted its unconventional premise and genre-blending approach. In a review from Variety, the film was described as a surreal Florida-set creature story centered on an unstable protagonist who forms a bond with a wounded mermaid.
ScreenAnarchy described the film as an absurdist comedy that blends elements of crime thriller and creature feature, noting that its unusual tone and dark humor may divide audiences while appealing to viewers receptive to its offbeat style.
Coverage of the film's SXSW premiere highlighted Johnny PembertonâÂÂs performance and the film's unusual blend of dark comedy and creature-feature elements.