Merlerium: Mermaids, mythology, desire and madness in Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse (2019)

Robert Eggers’ 2019 film The Lighthouse provides an idiosyncratic representation of the mermaid as a Jungian anima in that revolves around homoerotic tension between two lighthouse keepers on remote, windswept island. While theme is essentially minor aspect film, juxtaposed with other mythological motifs, it significant for intensity passions catalyses one film’s male leads. Analysing its script and statements directorial intent, this article first discusses aspects interaction masculine characters their relation to mythic figures, before going discuss role design mermaid, sex scene she appears in. Additional consideration given music sound building nuance thematic within film.