Why Do Mera and Aquaman Use a Fishing Boat in the 2018 Aquaman Movie?

Introduction

The 2018 franchise movie Aquaman presents a thrilling adventure through the depths of the ocean, with several elements contributing to the urgency and danger of Mera and Arthur's mission. One of the pivotal plot points is their use of a fishing boat to navigate to The Trench for retrieving the Trident of Atlantis. This choice of transportation serves multiple purposes, enhancing both the realism and the storytelling of the film.

Stealth and Avoidance

Stealth and Avoidance: In the underwater world, maintaining a low profile is critical. Choosing a fishing boat as their mode of transportation allows Mera and Aquaman to remain undetected by potential enemies monitoring for their movements. This is particularly important given the sensitive nature of their mission, which involves retrieving a powerful artifact from a dangerous underwater location. By keeping a discreet profile, they minimize the risk of unwanted attention and potential confrontation with foes who might be lurking in the shadows.

Practicality and Navigational Convenience

Practicality and Navigational Convenience: A fishing boat provides a straightforward and practical means of transportation from a coastal area to the ocean's surface. Their journey to The Trench involves a complex route that requires precise navigation through both shallow and deep waters. The fishing boat serves as an ideal vessel for making this initial journey, making it easier to reach the water's surface without the complications of a more advanced submarine or vessel.

Narrative and In-Universe Reasons

Narrative and In-Universe Reasons: The plot in Aquaman also provides several in-universe reasons for choosing a fishing boat. For instance, Arthur (Aquaman) was injured during the battle with Black Manta and needed to rest before continuing on their mission. Due to the urgency of the situation, Mera didn't have the luxury of waiting for him to fully recover on the surface. She therefore used a boat available at the marina to proceed, conserving resources and initiating the dive mission.

After Arthur regained consciousness and resumed their journey, abandoning the boat wasn't an option. There could be several reasons for continuing to use the boat despite Arthur's awakening. One possible reason is the need for rest and recuperation as Arthur might have required a brief respite from the intense mission. Another reason could be the strategic advantage of staying above the surface, where they have easier access to resources and can make necessary repairs or adjustments before diving into deeper waters.

Finally, it's worth noting that the boat belonged to someone from the island. Heroes in the movie universe often adhere to a code of honor, and abandoning someone else's property in the middle of an ocean mission would be considered bad form. This adds a layer of ethical complexity to their decision, reflecting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Conclusion

Overall, the use of a fishing boat in Aquaman is a well-crafted choice that enhances both the narrative and the sense of realism in the movie. It serves as a tangible representation of the characters' efforts to keep their mission hidden and navigate the treacherous waters of their underwater journey. The strategic and practical implications of this decision make the characters' actions more believable and the plot more engaging.