★★★★★

I hadn’t watched Splash in years, but it still made me laugh, cry, and believe in fairy tales. A perfect blend of fantasy and feeling.

Rachel M.

Vermont

Ron Howard’s 1984 fantasy-romance Splash isn’t just a quirky boy-meets-mermaid tale it’s a charming, emotionally sincere story that made waves in Hollywood and helped launch Tom Hanks into stardom. With a surprisingly heartfelt undercurrent beneath its whimsical premise, the film balances fantasy, romance, and gentle humor, even if some of its elements feel a little dated today.

A Quick Verdict

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
Critics and audiences agree that Splash stands as one of the most endearing romantic comedies of the 1980s. The chemistry between Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah elevates what could have been a throwaway concept. While the pacing drags slightly in places and its gender dynamics reflect a different era, the film’s charm and emotional sincerity remain undeniable.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Light)

As a child, Allen Bauer falls into the sea during a family trip and is briefly rescued by a mysterious girl underwater. Years later, Allen (Tom Hanks) is a successful but lonely businessman in New York City, struggling with love and emotional connection. After another mishap in the water this time in Cape Cod Allen is rescued again by a mysterious woman (Daryl Hannah), who follows him back to the city.

Unbeknownst to Allen, she is a mermaid, and her name chosen from a street sign is Madison. The two quickly fall in love, but complications arise when Madison’s secret threatens to be revealed, particularly after a government scientist (Eugene Levy) becomes suspicious. What follows is a blend of romantic entanglement, comedic chaos, and fantastical revelations as Allen must decide whether to stay in the world he knows or dive headfirst into the unknown.

Cast & Performance Analysis

Tom Hanks as Allen Bauer

Before Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, Tom Hanks delivered a nuanced, breakout performance in Splash. His Allen is vulnerable, funny, and entirely relatable a man caught between a mundane life and an unbelievable second chance at love. Hanks’ comedic timing shines throughout, but it’s his ability to ground fantasy with emotional honesty that makes the performance memorable.

Daryl Hannah as Madison

Daryl Hannah gives Madison a wide-eyed innocence without ever falling into caricature. She plays the mermaid-turned-human with a natural curiosity and warmth that makes the central romance believable. Despite having fewer lines than her co-stars, her physicality and expressiveness do much of the storytelling.

Supporting Performances

• John Candy as Freddie Bauer, Allen’s womanizing yet lovable brother, provides comic relief and surprising emotional insight. His performance adds heart and laughter in equal measure.

• Eugene Levy, in a less slapstick role than fans might expect, portrays Dr. Walter Kornbluth, a well-meaning antagonist with a compelling arc. His shift from villain to ally adds depth to the story and a welcome surprise.

Direction, Cinematography, and Tone

Director Ron Howard balances whimsy and realism with a surprisingly steady hand. He wisely never leans too far into absurdity, keeping the film’s magical elements grounded in emotional truth. The underwater sequences are elegantly shot, with cinematographer Donald Peterman capturing both the wonder of the ocean and the energy of bustling New York City.

The tone is light-hearted, but with a core of sincerity that prevents it from slipping into parody. While the special effects are modest by today’s standards, they serve the story well, and Howard never allows spectacle to overshadow character development.

Themes: Belonging, Transformation, and the Leap of Faith

At its heart, Splash is about connection in an alienating world. Allen and Madison, though from entirely different realms, both crave a sense of belonging. Allen struggles to relate to the people in his life; Madison is literally a fish out of water, navigating human society with wonder and vulnerability.

The film also touches on transformation, not just physically (as Madison becomes human), but emotionally. Allen must confront his fear of intimacy and make a leap of faith one that requires shedding the comforts of logic and control in favor of love and risk.

Finally, the movie champions trust in the unknown, a theme mirrored in its climactic moments when Allen is forced to decide whether to accept a life that defies explanation.

Weaknesses

While Splash is a beloved romantic comedy, it’s not without flaws:

• Dated Gender Dynamics – Madison’s portrayal, while warm and kind, can feel overly idealized by modern standards. She exists primarily to support Allen’s growth, with limited agency in her own story.

• Pacing Issues – The film’s second act slows down considerably, particularly as the romantic plot takes center stage and the stakes waver.

• Simplistic Conflict Resolution – While emotionally effective, the climax resolves a bit too cleanly, avoiding more complex emotional consequences.

Strengths

• Tom Hanks’ Performance - Charismatic, relatable, and emotionally grounded.

• Chemistry with Daryl Hannah - Sparks fly, making the central romance feel authentic.

• Gentle Humor - Balanced comedy that never undercuts emotional moments.

• Direction by Ron Howard - Maintains emotional core amid fantasy elements.

• Timeless Love Story - Universal themes of trust, belonging, and vulnerability.

Recommended If You Liked...

• Big (1988) – For more magical realism and early Tom Hanks charm.

• The Shape of Water (2017) – A darker, modern fairy tale with a similar premise.

• Starman (1984) – Sci-fi romance with emotional depth and inter-species connection.

• Enchanted (2007) – Romantic fantasy about finding love across worlds.

• Kate & Leopold (2001) – A charming time-travel love story about adapting to new worlds.

Final Thoughts

Nearly four decades after its release, Splash remains a delightful blend of romance, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s not just about a man falling in love with a mermaid it’s about the terrifying beauty of vulnerability and the strength it takes to embrace change.

The film invites viewers to suspend disbelief not for the sake of spectacle, but for the sake of emotional truth. Despite a few outdated elements, its themes still resonate, and its performances particularly Hanks and Hannah give the film a lasting glow.

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