Invasion of the Mermaids (2025) is a dark fantasy epic directed by Guillermo del Toro, featuring a star-studded cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Cate Blanchett. The story begins with strange disturbances in the world’s oceans: mass whale migrations, vanishing fishing fleets, and a cruise ship found eerily abandoned. Dr. Evelyn Carter (Cate Blanchett), a renowned marine biologist, is among the first to suspect that something ancient and powerful is awakening beneath the waves.
The truth is soon revealed: a hidden civilization of merfolk, led by the vengeful Queen Sirena (Anya Taylor-Joy), has risen to reclaim the oceans and punish humanity for centuries of pollution and exploitation. Sirena, aided by her fierce general Kael (Jason Momoa), launches devastating attacks on coastal cities, using supernatural powers to flood streets and drag entire populations into the sea. Humanity is thrown into chaos as the mermaids’ motives—revenge and survival—become clear.
Meanwhile, young researcher Leo Maddox (Timothée Chalamet) and ex-navy diver Maya Torres (Zendaya) discover an ancient artifact in the Mariana Trench, the source of the mermaids’ power. As global governments scramble to respond, Evelyn, Leo, and Maya embark on a desperate mission to sever the mermaids’ control over the tides. The film climaxes in a breathtaking underwater battle between Maya and Sirena, with the fate of both species hanging in the balance. In the end, the artifact is destroyed, weakening the mermaids, but not before humanity is forced to reckon with its environmental sins. The survivors must choose between continued conflict or a fragile coexistence with the merfolk.
The film is lauded for its groundbreaking CGI, intense action, and thought-provoking environmental themes, blending horror and fantasy in a way that redefines the mermaid mythos.
Budget and Net Income:
Invasion of the Mermaids reportedly had a production budget of $180 million, reflecting its extensive underwater effects and A-list cast. As of early May 2025, the film’s net income (excluding streaming and site revenue) is estimated at $320 million, thanks to strong global box office performance and critical acclaim.
