What happens when a fairy tale, a horror movie, and a jukebox musical all wash ashore at once? "The Lure" follows two carnivorous mermaid sisters who become overnight nightclub sensations in an alternate 1980s Poland, continuing The Next Reel's Horror Debuts series. Agnieszka Smoczyńska directs her feature debut, starring Marta Mazurek and Michalina Olszańska.
Pete and Andy dig into how the film reworks Hans Christian Andersen's original, darker "Little Mermaid," and why they land on "dark fairy tale" over "horror" as the better description. It's one of the stranger, more purely fun entries in the series so far. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in—The Next Reel on TruStory FM, when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Watch the Film: Amazon | Apple TV | Letterboxd | Trailer | Flickchart
🔓 The movie ends. The conversation goes further. Become a member.
🎧 Members get this episode early and ad-free in their private feed—plus every show in The Next Reel family.
Full episode resources and transcript here.

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Andy | Pete

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible