There have been plenty of The Little Mermaid adaptations over the years, but Goodbye, Lara takes a surprisingly different approach. While the first episode begins with familiar elements—a curious young mermaid fascinated by the human world and a chance encounter with a prince—it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t aiming to be another straightforward retelling.
Most of the episode is dedicated to Lara herself. We watch her grow up under the sea, learn about her fascination with humans, and slowly understand why she is so determined to experience the world above the surface. The pacing is deliberate, giving viewers enough time to connect with her before the story takes a darker turn.
Fans of the original fairy tale will recognize several story beats, but the anime isn’t afraid to change key moments. One of its biggest strengths is how it subverts expectations. Events that seem destined to play out one way suddenly head in a completely different direction, making the familiar feel fresh again. The prince’s role, in particular, takes an unexpected turn that completely changes the emotional impact of Lara’s sacrifice.
It’s only during the final few minutes that the series reveals what its true story is. Rather than ending where most versions of The Little Mermaid would, Goodbye, Lara opens the door to something much larger, introducing a premise that shifts the series into an entirely new direction. It’s an effective cliffhanger that reframes everything that came before without feeling forced.
Visually, the premiere is gorgeous. The underwater scenery has a dreamlike quality, while the quieter character moments help establish Lara as an easy protagonist to root for. Even when the episode moves at a slower pace, it feels intentional, allowing the emotional beats to land before the story asks its biggest questions.
Episode 1 doesn’t rely on shocking twists every few minutes. Instead, it patiently builds its world before delivering a final act that leaves you wanting to see what comes next. If the rest of the series can capitalize on the intriguing setup introduced in those closing moments, Goodbye, Lara could become one of the more unique fantasy romances of the season.
Goodbye, Lara is streaming on CrunchyRoll.
