What Is Aquamarine About?
The premise of Aquamarine in 275 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a breezy seaside town where endless summer days blend with the salty scent of the ocean, a sudden storm swirls ashore and leaves behind a most unexpected guest. The beach club’s pool glimmers under the sunrise, hinting at mysteries that linger just beneath the surface, while the community’s laid‑back vibe promises a light‑hearted adventure tinged with a splash of wonder.
Claire and Hailey are two inseparable teens navigating the bittersweet edge of adolescence. Their friendship, forged on countless beach outings and shared secrets, is about to be tested by the looming reality that Hailey will soon have to leave for a new life abroad. As they savor the fleeting moments of their final days together, their curiosity and loyalty drive them toward the strange and magical.
When the storm delivers a spirited mermaid named Aquamarine to the shore, the girls are thrust into a world where myth meets reality. Aquamarine is vibrant, adventurous, and utterly fascinated by the human idea of love—a feeling she has never truly known. With a twinkle of mischief and a promise of granting a wish, she ropes Claire and Hailey into a quest to help her win the heart of the charismatic lifeguard Raymond. The tone remains playful and whimsical, balancing slapstick moments with heartfelt camaraderie.
Against the backdrop of golden sunsets and surf‑sprayed boardwalks, the story radiates the exuberance of youthful dreams and the power of believing in the impossible. It invites viewers to wonder how far friendship can stretch when faced with enchantment, and whether the pursuit of a single wish might reveal deeper truths about love, self‑discovery, and the magic that lives in everyday summer memories.
What Happens in Aquamarine?
The complete story of Aquamarine, from the first scene to the last, in 352 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Two teenage best friends, Claire and Hailey, are facing a bittersweet situation as they only have five days left together before Hailey relocates to Australia due to her mother’s job. On a fateful night, following a fierce storm, they stumble upon a mermaid named Aquamarine in the swimming pool of their beach club. Initially frightened, their curiosity soon takes over as they begin conversing with Aquamarine, promising to return the next morning.
Upon their return, they are surprised to find Aquamarine transformed into a human form within the beach’s snack shack. She reveals that she can take on a human appearance as long as she stays dry during the day. The girls quickly bond with Aquamarine, who discloses her quest for love—an emotion she is eager to understand but knows little about. She shares the stakes of her journey: if she fails to find love within three days, she will be forced into an arranged marriage due to a deal made with her father.
Aquamarine soon sets her sights on a charming lifeguard named Raymond (Jake McDorman) and persuades Claire and Hailey to assist her in winning his heart. In exchange, Aquamarine promises to grant the girls a wish. Motivated by their desire to prevent Hailey’s move, the friends enthusiastically take on the challenge.
Along the way, they face opposition from a spoiled rich girl named Cecilia (Arielle Kebbel), who does everything in her power to thwart their efforts. Thankfully, an eccentric yet kind caretaker named Leonard steps in to help protect Aquamarine from being discovered by the public.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that true love isn’t solely about romance; it’s about the bonds of friendship. While Aquamarine shares a kiss with Raymond, it’s Claire and Hailey who reveal to her the depth of human love through their unselfishness and willingness to sacrifice their own wish for their friend. After much adventure and emotional growth, Claire and Hailey receive their promise from Aquamarine, yet they choose to hold off on their wish, planning to use it one day to ensure that all three of them can reunite every summer.
Aquamarine Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
10 key events in the order they happen, from “Hailey's Imminent Move” to “Wishing for Friendship”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Hailey's Imminent Move
Claire and Hailey, best friends, learn that Hailey will be moving to Australia in just five days due to her mother's job. This looming change adds a bittersweet vibe to their remaining time together, making each moment feel precious.
When:Five days before Hailey's departure
- 2
Encountering Aquamarine
After a fierce storm, Claire and Hailey discover a mermaid named Aquamarine in the swimming pool at their beach club. Their initial fear quickly turns to curiosity as they engage with Aquamarine and promise to return to talk with her the next morning.
When:The night following the storm Where:Beach Club Pool
- 3
Aquamarine's Transformation
When Claire and Hailey return the following day, they find Aquamarine transformed into a human and working in the beach's snack shack. Aquamarine explains her ability to maintain human form as long as she stays dry, sparking a deep friendship.
When:The morning after their first encounter Where:Beach Snack Shack
- 4
Aquamarine's Quest for Love
Aquamarine reveals her urgent quest for love, which she must find within three days to avoid an arranged marriage with a suitor chosen by her father. The girls are touched by her plight and vow to help her find true love.
When:During their first day of friendship
- 5
The Lifeguard Crush
Aquamarine sets her sights on Raymond, the charming lifeguard, and asks Claire and Hailey to assist in winning his heart. The girls are excited and motivated by the chance to prevent Hailey's move and to help their new friend.
When:The same day of their resolve to help
- 6
Obstacle from Cecilia
The trio faces challenges from Cecilia, a spoiled rich girl who tries to sabotage their efforts to help Aquamarine. Cecilia's jealousy and schemes create tension and force the friends to be even more resourceful.
When:Throughout their quest
- 7
Leonard's Assistance
As the quest unfolds, Leonard, an eccentric yet kind caretaker, steps forward to help protect Aquamarine from being discovered by others. His support offers a sense of relief and safety for the girls and Aquamarine.
When:During the quest to win over Raymond
- 8
Aquamarine's First Kiss
Aquamarine finally kisses Raymond, marking a significant milestone in her quest for love. This moment brings joy, but it also leads to a deeper understanding of love, emphasizing the importance of friendship over romance.
When:Midway through their adventure
- 9
The Revelation of True Love
As the story progresses, Claire and Hailey reveal to Aquamarine that true love is not just about romantic connections, but it’s also about selflessness and friendship. They demonstrate their care by supporting Aquamarine despite their own wishes.
When:Towards the end of Aquamarine's quest
- 10
Wishing for Friendship
After much emotional growth and adventure, Aquamarine grants Claire and Hailey the wish they earned. However, they selflessly choose to postpone their wish, intending to use it in the future to reunite every summer.
When:At the conclusion of the movie
Who Are the Main Characters in Aquamarine?
4 characters, among them Claire, Hailey and Aquamarine: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Claire
Played by Emma Roberts
Claire is a spirited, loyal friend who navigates the challenges of impending separation from Hailey. Her determination to help Aquamarine reflects her caring nature and willingness to sacrifice for those she loves. Claire's character embodies youthful optimism and the essence of friendship, making her a central figure in the emotional journey of the story.
- 👩❤️👩 Friendship
- 🌼 Optimism
- H
Hailey
Played by Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque
Hailey is Claire's best friend, faced with the bittersweet reality of moving to Australia. Despite her own sadness, she shows immense support for Aquamarine's quest. Hailey's character is defined by her adventurous spirit and her deep commitment to her friendship with Claire, making her a crucial part of the trio's bond.
- 👭 Loyalty
- 🌈 Adventure
-
Aquamarine
Played by Sara Paxton
Aquamarine is a curious and enchanting mermaid on a quest to understand love. Her transformation into a human serves as a catalyst for her personal growth and discovery. While she initially seeks romance with Raymond, she learns valuable lessons about friendship and sacrifice, showcasing her emotional evolution throughout the film.
- 🧜♀️ Love
- 🌟 Growth
- C
Cecilia
Cecilia is a spoiled rich girl who serves as the antagonist of the story, constantly trying to thwart Aquamarine's efforts. Her character adds tension to the narrative, pushing the protagonists to overcome challenges. Despite her negative traits, Cecilia’s involvement highlights the strength of friendship and determination in the face of adversity.
- 💅 Rivalry
- 🚫 Opponent
Where and When Is Aquamarine Set?
Aquamarine is set in Beach Club. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds over a crucial five-day period, marking the end of summer and the beginning of change for the characters involved. This time frame amplifies the urgency of Aquamarine's quest for love, against the backdrop of impending goodbyes and the bittersweet nature of friendship. It highlights the fleeting nature of summer and the lasting bonds that can form during it.
Where
Beach Club
The Beach Club serves as the primary setting for the movie, a vibrant and lively place where the two best friends spend their summer days. Known for its sun-soaked atmosphere and community gatherings, it becomes the backdrop for the magical encounter with Aquamarine. The club is a hub of youthful energy and friendship, filled with laughter and the hopes of summer adventures.
- 🏖️ Beach
- 🌊 Ocean
What Are the Themes of Aquamarine?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship and Transformation.
-
01
Friendship
Friendship is at the heart of 'Aquamarine', showcasing the powerful connections between Claire and Hailey. The girls' willingness to assist Aquamarine in her quest for love reveals the depth of their bond. Ultimately, their selflessness highlights that true love extends beyond romance, emphasizing loyalty, sacrifice, and shared experiences.
-
02
Transformation
Transformation plays a significant role in the film, both literally and metaphorically. Aquamarine's change from mermaid to human symbolizes the journey of self-discovery and the understanding of love. Additionally, the friendships between the characters undergo transformation as they navigate challenges, deepening their emotional connections.
What Kind of Film Is Aquamarine?
Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and heartwarming teen fantasy that feels like a sun-drenched summer adventure, blending lighthearted fun with genuine lessons about friendship and self-belief.
- whimsical
- playful
- magical
- uplifting
- youthful
- heartwarming
- friendship
- coming of age
- temporary summer love
- magical being
Quiz
How well do you remember Aquamarine? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Aquamarine
Stream it on Disney Plus, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
Disney Plus 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
