Halle Bailey was watching 'Ariel' with her 14-month-old son—he surprised her with a reaction that had her 'crying'
Seeing children grow, learn and express their emotions is one of the most priceless things for parents. To be able to witness their child’s firsts in person means everything to them. It becomes a core memory. Similarly, actor and mom Halle Bailey (@HalleBailey on X) was stunned to receive a reaction that was a first from her 14-month-old son Halo, per PEOPLE. The mother-and-son duo were watching the 2023 live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” which starred Bailey as Ariel. When the mom put on the film for her son to watch, he surprised her with an unexpected response that left her in tears.
On X, the actor revealed a glimpse of the toddler sitting beside her as he was watching the movie. As the music intensified and Bailey’s character appeared in a close-up shot, Halo looked at the screen and felt something was familiar. “Momma!” he exclaimed, staring at the screen and back at his mother. “That’s momma?” Bailey asked in disbelief, chuckling away proudly. Halo continued to look intently at the screen as his little mind tried to grasp what was happening. After a few moments of understanding, he gave the sweetest smile, confirming that he had finally recognized his mother in the movie.
“Momma,” Halo remarked again, as he was surprised by the acting, music, colors and direction unfolding in the movie. “Yes, that’s momma,” proud Bailey remarked. She had just received one of the most important recognitions of her life— as an actor and mother, from her most important audience. Sure enough, from the toddler’s expressions, he was amazed and impressed by what his “momma” was doing. “Woah,” he said towards the end of the video as he continued to watch the majestic ocean life through the movie. “Guys, I’m crying. He actually knows Ariel is me,” Bailey wrote in the caption of her post.
With over 23 million views and 3,300 comments, people were delighted by the adorable reaction. Many even shared in the actor’s joy as a mother and her bond with Halo. @TheeJonFields said, “Trying to decide just how hard a flex it is that your kid can watch you on a Disney film. It’s at unreal levels.” @WorshipKaiya remarked, “The way he smiles when he recognizes you.” @Zoyaa_Khani said, "This is so sweet! I can't believe he knows!"
@laneybabyart added, “Imagine having a Disney princess as your mom.” @tyxhndrxx said, “It’s so cute how he looks just like her too.” @TreatMeBetterB wrote, “This precious angel got so big and the love you poured into him is being reciprocated.” @RodneyAhenkan_ joked that Halo, too, would want to follow his mother’s footsteps and said, “He gonna grow up trying to be the next Aquaman.” @EsqandTails wrote, “This is absolutely adorable. Now we need to know if he ever asks you about ‘your tail.’” @Feast_flicks added, “This is just so beautiful to watch.”