Aquamarine (2006) is a fantasy romantic comedy directed by Elizabeth Allen and based on the young adult novel by Alice Hoffman. The film stars Emma Roberts, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, and Sara Paxton, and combines elements of friendship, romance, and magical realism in a heartwarming story that resonates with younger audiences.
The story is set in a coastal beach town where best friends Claire (Emma Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) are spending their last summer together. Haileyโs family is moving to Australia at the end of the season, and the girls are struggling with the idea of being separated.
One night after a storm, they discover a mermaid named Aquamarine (Sara Paxton) in the pool of their beach club. Aquamarine has run away from her underwater home to avoid an arranged marriage. She believes in the power of true love and hopes to prove it exists so she can take control of her destiny. Aquamarine enlists the girls’ help to find true love in exchange for granting them a wish, which Claire and Hailey plan to use to stop Haileyโs move.
Aquamarine sets her sights on Raymond (Jake McDorman), a kind and handsome lifeguard. Despite her beauty and charm, Aquamarine has no knowledge of human dating customs, leading to humorous and awkward situations. Claire and Hailey coach her on how to win Raymondโs affection, but their efforts are frequently thwarted by Cecilia (Arielle Kebbel), a mean-spirited girl who also has her eyes on Raymond.
As Aquamarine grows closer to Raymond, she also forms a deep bond with Claire and Hailey. Through their adventures, the three girls learn important lessons about friendship, self-confidence, and love. When Aquamarine realizes that love isn’t about possession but sacrifice, she sets Raymond free and decides to return home, knowing she has proven the existence of love through her friendship with Claire and Hailey.
In the end, Aquamarine grants the girls their wish, but instead of stopping Haileyโs move, they use it to give her the courage to face the future. The film concludes with the friends parting ways but remaining hopeful about their enduring bond.