Part 3/11:
However, many critics and viewers accused Disney of deflecting from genuine issues surrounding the film, such as its visual quality and storytelling. The movie was heavily infused with identity politics—most notably, the race swap of the iconic mermaid character from a white actress to Halle Bailey. Critics pointed out that the film also featured numerous changes to the original story, including shifting the climax so that Ariel, rather than Prince Eric, kills Ursula. Other alterations included the lyrics of classic songs and thematic elements that seemed to nudge the story in a new ideological direction, notably emphasizing themes like giving up voice and power for love.