Released to TV and video in 2001, "Sea Creature" is about a couple of carnies (Rufus Sewell & Carla Gugino) in the early 20th century who come across a real mermaid in Ireland (Rya Kihlstedt), which they apprehend and intend to transport to America as a freakshow attraction. Horror ensues. Reno Wilson and Gil Bellows are also on hand.Originally called simply "Sea Creature" the movie was unnecessarily burdened with the overlong title of "Mermaid Chronicles Part 1: She Creature," which doesn't make sense since there's no "Part 2," although the ending leaves room for that possibility.The movie plays like a modern-day Hammer flick with elements of "Bram Stoker's Dracula," "Species" and "Alien/Aliens." While it lacks the budget of those three films, the production is comparable to those Hammer horror movies that take place during the Victorian era. "Sea Creature" also shares similarities to 1961's haunting "Night Tide" with Dennis Hopper, which also was about a (possible) mermaid. There are three basic settings in the movie: The opening carnival sequence that segues into a (sorta) castle sequence and, lastly, the long ship sequence that takes up the bulk of the story. The last one reveals the greatest weakness of the movie in that sailing on a ship is a limited setting, which makes for a little dullness here and there, but the flick makes up for it with an over-the-top horrific last act. The renowned Stan Winston was on hand as producer and you can tell with the excellent F/X of something revealed at the end, which is on par with the Aliens, Predator, and Pumpkinhead movies. No kidding.While a TV movie, "Sea Creature" is adult-oriented in that the mermaid is top-nude the entire movie (the horror, the horror!) and there's at least one overt simulated sex scene. Keep in mind, however, that the movie was shooting for realism and not raunch; not to mention that redemption and comeuppance factor into the equation.BOTTOM LINE: Despite a couple of dull or dubious scenes, "Sea Creature" delivers the goods for those who appreciate Hammer's haunting Victorian-era films, as well as movies like "Bram Stoker's Dracula," albeit understandably no where near as lavish as Coppola's film. Carla shines in both beauty and acting chops, as does Rya (who's been married to Bellows since 1994); and Sewell plays a superlative protagonist. "Sea Creature" shows that a quality product can be made on a TV budget.The film runs 91 minutes and was shot in California.GRADE: B+

I loved this film, I have always been fascinated by mermaids as a child so eagerly awaited to watch it. I was not disappointed, a good story that lures you in with a surprising ending worth a watch.Very good acting by all and special recognition for the actress playing the mermaid I could not stay under water with my eyes open no way. The actress is very believable as the mermaid and I am glad she has a tail and not as in some movies legs now thats annoying.The leading actors were also very good and believable. I felt sorry for the mermaid in the beginning because she did not ask to be caught and kept captive, but unknown to me she is not all she seems. However I recommend this film thoroughly so watch it.

This is a brilliant movie, because, is a fresh subject hardly ever use in horror movie. Too bad they didn't made a second part, the first left me longing for more.Husband and wife circus owners, give a ride to an eccentric old gentleman who came to see the mermaid show. At his mansion he shows them his mermaid. Husband abduct the mermaid. He plan to take her to U.S.A. On the voyage the mermaid makes a meal of the crew, and believe it or not get wife pregnant. Mermaid has her own agenda, and take them for a tour of her own. Turning a beautiful self, into a horrible monster with one thing on her mind human flesh, and survival of her species. But there was only one survival, who live to tell the "tail,". What happened to the mermaid offspring, well that is made for part 2, however sadly part two was never made.The acting, character and story are worth watching, it delivers and the special effects too.

I saw this movie on TV a few months ago, and I liked it. With a small budget, Sebastian Gutierrez managed to deliver a more than satisfying film.The acting is pretty good! Certainly Rya Kihlstedt is really haunting as the mermaid! But also Carla Gugino, Rufus Sewell and Reno Wilson do well! The special effects are (for a low budget production) good. The movie is also (to my surprise) quite intelligent and sometimes it's even psychological.The last scene makes me want to see The Mermaid Chronicles, Part 2!