Eerie. Liminal. Isolated. I can only imagine that someone with Sirenomelia must feel isolated with the condition that they have. What piqued my interest is that when I looked up the word “sirenomelia”, Google told me that not only is this mutation extremely rare, but the likelihood of survival past childhood is even more uncommon. Therefore, I wonder if Škarnulytė purposefully created an isolated character to display how someone who has sirenomelia might feel. I like this piece because it explores a more modern form of art that we haven’t looked at yet in class.

Another aspect of the film I think is cool is the fusion of documentary and fiction. Part of the film observes the natural environment. The sound recordings from a quasar and the slow panning of the desolate landscape. On the other hand, there are depictions of a mermaid in a warmer climate.

Škarnulytė draws an interesting parallel between the deep cosmic and the deep water. I like how the shots of the deep ocean are combined with the cosmic soundtrack and the galactic sounds. It seems like the filmmaker is trying to emphasize the similarities between the Ocean and Space. Somehow this short draws the curious eyes and ears through suspense and the uncanny environment. It starts by showing a place at 2 above freezing, a temperature humans can’t survive in, and I only reluctantly experience for short periods in my ice bath. Although there are people who live above the Arctic Circle, it is for the most part abandoned by humans. Even the word “decommissioned” adds an element of spectrality, making the space seem more liminal. I’d like to hear what my classmates think of this film, and if it reminds them of anything.

The use of variable white balance also makes me question the choice of warmer colors towards the end of the film. Could it be to emphasize a warmer climate? Invoke intimacy with the character? Why did it go black and white for a moment? Was that to make it seem like a long time ago? Galaxy far far away?