The Mermaid Latitudes
ADVENTURE DETECTIVE COMEDY FANTASY SUSPENSE/THRILLER DRAMA MYSTERY SCI-FI SATIRE
Contemporary,Across Centuries
Barry James Hickey
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
A miniature painting of a mermaid drawn in bat’s blood is taking the art world by storm. Who painted it and why? It is up to Larry Settlebottom, a sheltered museum curator, to decipher the riddle. His adventures take him on the adventure of a lifetime.
Genre
Adventure,Detective,Comedy,Fantasy,Suspense/Thriller,Drama,Mystery,Sci-fi,Satire
Short Summary
On behalf of an eccentric widowed Chicago billionaire, Larry Settlebottom, a single and reclusive museum curator in his thirties with a secret past and a love for the Blues hires a retired gang-banger as a bodyguard to find a famous and mysterious painter gone missing in Mexico.
Setting
Chicago, Mexico, a remote uncharted island.
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Rags to Riches,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Quest,Voyage and Return
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions,Twist,Happy Ending
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Larry Settlebottom
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Clumsy,Modest,Empathetic,Selfless,Engaging,Faithful,Funny,Gracious,Secretive,Educated,Honorable,Insecure,Naive,Underdog,Romantic
Additional Character Details
Name: Pharaoh Willims
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Charming,Aggressive,Underdog,Uneducated,Sexy,Criminal,Desperate,Decisive,Engaging,Faithful,Funny,Religious,Heroic,Honorable,Insecure,Secretive
Additional Character Details
Name: Mrs. Chumley
Age: 80
Gender: Female
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Adventurous,Charming,Complex,Confident,Blunt,Selfless,Engaging,Outspoken,Skillful,Funny,Gracious,Honorable,Leader,Unapologetic,Sophisticated
Additional Character Details
Name: Ismelda
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Role: protagonist
Key Traits: Underdog,Complex,Uneducated,Sexy,Confident,Decisive,Blunt,Selfless,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Skillful,Visionary,Honorable,Leader,Sophisticated,Secretive
Genre
ACTION,DRAMA
Brief
Larry is living a quiet existence when a rich widow shows him an unusual stamp displaying a mermaid. He sets out to find it's origins but is stranded on an island, finally rescued by sea guppies. He learns about the history of Merman and Mermaids and is tasked with killing a giant. Ismelda has been prisoner to an evil man on this island for many years, but Larry and his new friends help free the inhabitants from El Gordo and his tyranny.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
Larry is a normal guy who believes he never went out into the world. He has a safe job and a safe life. He ends up on a massive, eye opening adventure. The character arc from sheltered and quiet individual to a courageous, risk taking individual is always entertaining and inspiring. Ismelda is also a very complex character. She is enduring so many traumas and remains strong.
Possible Drawbacks
The dialogue isn't always natural. It feels overly dramatized especially at the end, when Larry and Ismelda meet. It sounds almost philosophical but seems out of place with the rest of the story.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Larry's investigation of a mermaid stamp takes him to a dangerous island and the discovery of the history of mermaids. I would watch the movie for the fantast and adventure aspect. Larry meets different creatures and learning the history of the extinction of mermaids. Unfortunately, there aren't any mermaids to see.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase. Dramas stories mixed with some fantasy do have mass appeal. This also flushes out a complete history of merpeople which hasn't been done before. It also ties in some hard hitting topics such as genocide, enslavement, physical and sexual abuse and the destruction of cultures and other species.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential for the acting. Ismelda is a very complex and layered character. She is dealing with trauma, constant abuse while trying to protect those around her. Her children have been killed but she lives on. She would be a great character for a well trained actress to bring to life.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
ATLANTIS, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, SIREN
What’s New About the Story
The story isn't overtly original. There are many stories about mermaids and men living quiet life, ending up on a adventure. The ideology of the story makes it unique. The mysterious island, merpeople and their lore, the evil giant all come together to add uniqueness to the story. It could be more unique if more woman were apart of the main plot. This story takes place off of the coast of Mexico so Mexican culture and people should be represented.
Lead Characters
Ismelda is a complicated character with so much going on. She is being raped and mistreated daily, for however long she has been on the island. She is trying to protect those on the island and those who visit from the cruelty of the giant, El Gordo. She is strong, but is dealing with a serious situation.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an above average story that could be made more dynamic, visually. The time Larry spends on a boat at sea and El Gordo and Ismelda on the island would be a feast for the eyes. It also deepens the story behind the mermaids.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Streaming TV Series: Cable, Limited Run / Mini-Series, Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story has many interesting and entertaining elements. The character arc with Larry is satisfying and Ismelda's strength of character is inspiring. Visually, there will be many great moments with the island and the sea.