Splash

Allen Bauer, a successful, no-nonsense businessman, meets a charming woman who seems perfect until it becomes clear she is something else entirely. He is drawn to Madison, a radiant visitor who, beneath her human guise, is a mermaid from the sea. Their easy chemistry collides with practical concerns and a meddling circle of friends and relatives, including Freddie Bauer and a few eccentric mentors who try to help or hinder. As Allen courts her, he must adapt his orderly world to the strange wonders of life with someone from the deep, while Madison navigates land life and human customs. The result is a blend of romance and whimsy that treats fantasy as a buoyant, comedic possibility rather than a spectacle.

Directed by Ron Howard, Splash arrived in 1984 as an original screenplay by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman. The film showcases Howard's knack for warmth and comedy, guided by a witty script and playful performances for fans.

With a modest budget of 8 million, it grossed about 69.8 million worldwide, making Splash a profitable hit for its time and helping establish Hanks as a romantic lead with broad appeal for audiences everywhere across generations and beyond together.

The mermaid premise and Daryl Hannah's luminous Madison left a memorable imprint on 80s cinema, blending fairy tale whimsy with urban romance. Splash helped popularize aquatic fantasy within mainstream comedy and inspired fashion moments that echoed the film's breezy sunlit mood. Hannah's performance balances vulnerability with comic timing on screen.

Critical response ranged from affectionate to pragmatic, praising the charm of Hanks and Hannah while noting the lightness of the premise. The film centers on acceptance across differences, the tension between practical cynicism and magical possibility, and the idea that love can soften even rigid routines and invites repeat viewing.