Erzulie

I was glad to attend the NOLA premiere for this one in support of my friends, and knowing how much work and stress went into this one, it paid off. Its low-budget seams definitely show, but this Girl Power romp with a killer cajun swamp mermaid goddess at its center has tons of heart to accompany its humor, scares, and modern feminist attitude, including explorations of a wide spectrum of personal mental health issues and responses to trauma. From the ecstatic response it got from the younger girls in attendance, it's surely gonna become a new sleepover cult classic. Bravo to Christine, Camille, and the rest of the team.

For a low-budget, independent film, "Erzulie" impressively balances storytelling creativity and resourcefulness, showcasing that cinematic magic can thrive even without a hefty budget. One standout element for me was the meticulously life-like mermaid costume, which adds authenticity to the character. "Erzulie" takes viewers on an offbeat adventure that, while not a cinematic masterpiece, manages to entertain with its unique twist on mermaid mythology. The story introduces us to an unconventional mermaid guardian, dedicated to safeguarding women and children who takes residence in a secluded swamp. It spins a chilling narrative of sisterhood within the context of a suspenseful film, all against the captivating backdrop of the swamp during a girls weekend getaway.

In summary, "Erzulie" is not your typical mermaid movie, but it does offer an enjoyable and quirky take on mermaids, making it worth a watch for those seeking a different spin on this mythical theme.

As an independent film maker myself, it truly warms my heart to see the fruits of one's labors. And to see diversity like this is even more inspiring. Erzulie takes you on a different path in the mythical world of mermaids, with intricate and emotional interactions between the women of the movie. The pacing was well thought, and there wasn't a point where I felt that the movie lagged. From a technical standpoint, the cinematography was beautifully done, and i found myself completely engaged. From the opening scene, to the very satisfying ending, I enjoyed this, and would certainly watch it again.

I grew watching all sorts of creature-features on the sci-fi channel and show like Buffy The Vampire Slayer on the CW. Erzulie was right up my alley.

I loved the Louisiana setting, it was unique. I also liked the great actors and the feminist vibes. It's more thoughtful than a regular "creature feature", as the acting, characters and script is way better. You don't often see an ensemble cast of cool women who treat each other well in this space.

As far as Mermaids go, Erzulie herself was a bad-ass. You wanted to root for her and the women, and you could easily dislike the villains in the story.

"Erzulie," directed by Christine Chen, takes viewers on a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic journey. With its artistic vision and compelling storytelling, the film manages to engage audiences, despite a few minor flaws.

Chen's directorial choices in "Erzulie" showcase attention to detail, creating visually striking scenes that enhance the overall experience. The blending of reality and fantasy in the narrative raises intresting thematic questions, although some plot elements could have been further developed.

The cast delivers commendable performances, adding depth and authenticity to their characters. While some performances could have been more nuanced, the ensemble work solidly contributes to the film's impact -- the women in the film have chemistry and it shows up on-screen.

"Erzulie" is a commendable effort that invites contemplation. Chen's directorial choices, combined with solid performances and an intriguing narrative, make the film worth watching.