Read User Reviews and Submit your own for The Whale (2022)

7

BulgarianCriticMar 26, 2023

Pretty great performance by Brendan, the story was very nice and they would not let you forget that our main character is very sick and constantly wheezing (which made even the more light-hearted moments pretty depressing). Some parts andPretty great performance by Brendan, the story was very nice and they would not let you forget that our main character is very sick and constantly wheezing (which made even the more light-hearted moments pretty depressing). Some parts and characters could have been cut-off in my opinion since they just waste time from the main issues and character problems.
A pretty decent drama.… Expand

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0

BLADELINGMar 26, 2023

Movie with few ideas, laid out in a confusing way. Perhaps it wanted to communicate too many things, with too few characters. I don't know. Some points are on the threshold of inciting hatred. Moving moments are there but they are veryMovie with few ideas, laid out in a confusing way. Perhaps it wanted to communicate too many things, with too few characters. I don't know. Some points are on the threshold of inciting hatred. Moving moments are there but they are very schoolboyish, so short, leaves nothing in the end. The acting is also very poor; it seems that the main character was constantly waiting for nods of assent from the director.… Expand

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9

VaxkangMar 25, 2023

Brendan Fraser with an amazing performance. I am not one to cry in a movie (like ever) and am generally a stoic over-all but this hit me in the feels pretty hard. Chronically depressed people (at times) kill themselves slowly with drugs andBrendan Fraser with an amazing performance. I am not one to cry in a movie (like ever) and am generally a stoic over-all but this hit me in the feels pretty hard. Chronically depressed people (at times) kill themselves slowly with drugs and alcohol and this is no different. Aslo looking at a few of the few negative reviews it reminds of how awful some human beings can really be. This movie "The Whale" is one of the best movies I have seen in quite some some. Solid 9/10.… Expand

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9

trono9124Mar 22, 2023

It's the best film of 2023. I love the interpretation of Brendan Fraser, I love the interpretation of Sadie Sink. I feel a deep empathy for Charlie. I felt like he was a friend of mine, a person that I know. I feel pity for him I feel sorryIt's the best film of 2023. I love the interpretation of Brendan Fraser, I love the interpretation of Sadie Sink. I feel a deep empathy for Charlie. I felt like he was a friend of mine, a person that I know. I feel pity for him I feel sorry for his condition I can't hate him. He is real, the film is deeply real.… Expand

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3

JCHarvardMar 21, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are way too many faults in the logic of this film’s themes & characterizations to discuss, even trying to forget the blatantly gratuitous wallowing in obese grotesquery & pointlessly incessant self-loathing and self-pity displayed by every character. What’s Charlie’s motivation? He longs to finally see & interact with his daughter, Ellie, but wants to die as soon as possible. Why? All the talk of "honesty" & goodness, yet why does he equate his salvation with such a crassly materialistic deed as bequeathing $120K to this ungrateful daughter?

But Ellie is unremittingly awful, not just to herself & her father, but EVERYONE. Sink’s interpretation takes it far beyond the cynical teen cliché. Her jaded, anti-social cruelty borders on the psychopathic, which is apparent to all but Charlie, who maintains a delusional view of his Ellie’s “amazingness”? After knocking out her father with Ambien, Ellie maliciously betrays the confidence of a boy she apparently just befriended. Why? Ironically, Charlie, again delusional, interprets this as Ellie’s attempt to “save” the boy, after the betrayal inadvertently ends happily for him. His obsession with the atrocious Ellie is nauseatingly pathetic: he even gushes when he pretentiously perceives her misanthropic scribbling as a “haiku”.

However, the film’s biggest flaw is the entire Moby Dick conceit, a facile, symbolic equation of Ahab’s quest with Charles’ mission to save his daughter: Ellie as Moby Dick, angrily crashing into the Pequod of her colossal father’s bulwark. However, do we really need Moby Dick to facilitate this hackneyed metaphor? There is absolutely NO convincing or worthy purpose for pompously appropriating Moby Dick’s imagery in this film at all (while ignoring its themes of fate versus self-determination). Worse, Charlie endlessly repeats Ellie’s childish, non-interpretation of Melville’s novel, as if it were a precious, life-affirming litany. Ellie’s “essay” is no more perceptive than her damning “haiku” opus: in both she is asserting that there is essentially no point in anything, which presumably includes writing Moby Dick in the first place, because it’s all just a distraction from simply “being”(?). Behold, Honesty in all its banality.

Unfortunately, the film distracts us with morbid obesity, Moby Dick & a futile family reunion, when there is a more profound & sadder subject: Charlie’s past relationship with his lost lover Alan. The deeper tragedy is neatly encapsulated when Thomas confronts Charlie to joyfully preach that he can be “saved” when he dies, as the sins of the” flesh”, i.e. Charlie’s homosexuality, will be forgiven because he has a good heart beneath all that flesh. Charlie rejects this Last Judgement bombast that impugns what he is & what he loved, but is nonetheless forgivingly tolerant of Thomas’ insensitivity, given its sincerity.

However, Charlie also discovers that Thomas’ unwelcome revelation comes after his reading highlighted verses in Alan’s old bible. We realize at this moment what Charlie probably already knew but was striving to suppress: that Alan was tormented with guilt about his homosexual affair with him. Charlie cannot accept the fact that religious dogma had created a schism in Alan’s bond with him; that there was anything but pure honesty & happiness in their love. Is guilt over this star-crossed romance the genuine root of Charlie’s search for salvation? Despite the clarity of this moment, Charlie, & apparently the film makers, quickly turn away, preferring illusion & heartwarming platitudes over unpleasant truths.

The absurdity is extended when Charlie obscenely implores his students to send him something that’s “honest” (as opposed to well-crafted & showing that they’ve learned something). He is foolishly ecstatic at the blatantly pathetic results. There is no expected epiphany – do the film makers presume the audience shares Charlie’s ludicrous enthusiasm? Most depressing is a student’s cynically “honest” confession: “I’m tired of being told that I have promise”. How Charlie is unable to discover an echo of this in his own assessment of his daughter, i.e. a direct reflection of his own worshipful misbelief in Ellie's “greatness” & his imagined redemption, is the real tragedy unwittingly realized by the film’s creators.

Perhaps “honesty” is really Charlie’s Moby Dick. Ironically, his pursuit of it merely sucks Charlie down into a pathetic maelstrom of self-deception instead. The thoughtful viewer eventually realizes that genuine “honesty” implies some form of profound human insight. Regardless of whether Charlie has discovered the truth or not, he is given a finale that rewards him with pure fantasy. The film leaves us with nothing more than an insipid coda, devoid of recognition or proper salvation – that & an empty, disgusting fat suit.… Expand

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6

diegorena8Mar 20, 2023

Brendan Fraser deserves a 10, but the movie a 6. The story lacks that, story. Yes, the story is beautiful, but it doesn't go much further, we see the case of a devastated person after a loss and how he tries, through rebuilding hisBrendan Fraser deserves a 10, but the movie a 6. The story lacks that, story. Yes, the story is beautiful, but it doesn't go much further, we see the case of a devastated person after a loss and how he tries, through rebuilding his relationship with his daughter, to redeem himself from his mistakes and "heal". But it doesn't go beyond that.… Expand

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10

slicelookMar 19, 2023

complaining about being fat is like complaining about being rich, with that said 10/10 just because cnn and the evil shadow governmental evil left west is down bot voting this and paying "critics" to down vote it also shows that evil have ancomplaining about being fat is like complaining about being rich, with that said 10/10 just because cnn and the evil shadow governmental evil left west is down bot voting this and paying "critics" to down vote it also shows that evil have an agenda against this which makes it easy for me to know where i stand. 10/10 WOOOO!… Expand

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5

Jgo77Mar 19, 2023

It was ok, but probably 15-20 min too long. The entire movie is basically on one set so it gets a little tedious watching for 2 hours. Just a long drawn out movie with endless sadness and anger and not much resolution at the end…

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10

OskadMar 19, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Darren Aronofsky livre ici une superbe leçon de vie avec un scénario bien écrit et émouvant. Son film le plus simple, en terme de réalisation, mais le plus puissant émotionnellement parlant il s’avère touchant grâce aux extraordinaires personnalités de Charlie et de sa fille mais aussi de l’infirmière ou du jeune missionnaire avec même quelques très rares moments drôles tout en racontant une histoire très forte mais simultanément très dure
Le film raconte l’histoire de Charlie (Brendan Fraser), un professeur d’anglais obèse et dépressif qui vit reclus chez lui dans son appartement et qui essaie de renouer avec sa fille adolescente (Sadie Sink) qu’il n’a pas vue depuis des années avant de mourir ce film aborde des thèmes difficiles comme la dépression la solitude, du deuil, de la culpabilité et du pardon, l’auto-destruction, la rédemption, la paternité et l’empathie Il met en scène des personnages complexes et attachants, confrontés à leurs propres démons et à leurs relations difficiles le role qui l'as jouer Brendan Fraser est remarquable qui incarne avec justesse son personnage une performance exceptionnelle ! vraiment bravo … Expand

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8

LisaLR1Mar 17, 2023

THE WHALE, written by Samuel D. Hunter based on his play and directed by Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), stars Brendan Fraser ("The Mummy") in his recent Best Actor Oscar-winning role as Charlie, a reclusive online English professorTHE WHALE, written by Samuel D. Hunter based on his play and directed by Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), stars Brendan Fraser ("The Mummy") in his recent Best Actor Oscar-winning role as Charlie, a reclusive online English professor suffering from obesity and congestive heart failure, brought on following the death of his partner. With only days left to live, the main focus of the movie sees Charlie trying to make amends with his estranged, strong-willed teenage daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink). Fraser gives an emotionally riveting performance that carries the film. Also very good in her supporting role as Charlie's friend and caretaker, Liz is actress Hong Chau ("Driveways"). THE WHALE is a great comeback achievement from Brendan Fraser, his Charlie will pull at your heartstrings.… Expand

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7

stevekmMar 15, 2023

What a tough movie to watch. No wonder Brendan won the Oscar, what a performance. On a deeper note, what's with the relationship with his daughter? As a teacher, he tells his students to tell the truth, be honest; is he?

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10

HabibiehakimMar 14, 2023

The Whale was intentionally to be depressing and uncomfortable and for some people who are still complaining about that, they just didn't understand, also if people find Brendan Fraser performance in the film was amazing but the real storyThe Whale was intentionally to be depressing and uncomfortable and for some people who are still complaining about that, they just didn't understand, also if people find Brendan Fraser performance in the film was amazing but the real story was just mediocre and nothing special, i am completely disagree, i mean what else?, it's a perfect problematic family drama story that all make sense, sure you can find that the reason he left his family because of a man is silly but i personally think it's different and i don't mind it at all, also Sadie Sink was really incredible playing this tomboyish jerk daughter and it's completely make sense and it works, Hong Chau was amazing and the rest too, everything is fit and it's added with these phenomenal performance, stunning makeup, great score, overall i found The Whale as a good example of a great depressing film, and it's also a great film to study too, it's incredible, and i love it, Brendan Fraser deserve all the awards.… Expand

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8

TAPRMar 7, 2023

Me surpreendeu muito! Indicação do Brendan Fraser ao Oscar justíssima. O filme aborda como erros não devem ser punidos de forma perpétua. A obesidade mórbida do protagonista é apenas o agravante nesse drama sobre escolhas, consequências eMe surpreendeu muito! Indicação do Brendan Fraser ao Oscar justíssima. O filme aborda como erros não devem ser punidos de forma perpétua. A obesidade mórbida do protagonista é apenas o agravante nesse drama sobre escolhas, consequências e identidade.… Expand

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6

DunkaccinoMar 7, 2023

The performances here in The Whale are so fantastic that they deserve better material.

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7

GLADIADORMar 7, 2023

Uma atuação muito boa de brendan fraser, e a filha dele tem uma boa atuação tambem e o final é bem emocionante

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4

WireDreamMar 6, 2023

The Whale was two hours of misery-porn, without a release. Instead of trying to find the humanity in its subject, director Darren Aronofsky is more fascinated with the grotesquerie of the morbidly obese Charlie character (played by BrendanThe Whale was two hours of misery-porn, without a release. Instead of trying to find the humanity in its subject, director Darren Aronofsky is more fascinated with the grotesquerie of the morbidly obese Charlie character (played by Brendan Fraser) - treating him more like a circus freak for the audience to gasp and gawk and repulse at - rather than as a three-dimensional human being. Beating the Herman Melville “Moby Dick” metaphors to a pulp that you want to harpoon yourself out of misery, the screenplay is histrionically melodramatic, leaving no room for nuance, and negating any attempt at depth.

I know Fraser will never be compared to one of the “greats” (or, for that matter, even the “that-goods”), but he’s always been a likable, reliable presence on screen. Here, he’s committed, and, I surmise, effective as Charlie, but you never really forget that it’s Fraser behind the fat suit and makeup. I’m not sure if the fault is on the actor himself or the overwrought screenplay. Maybe it’s both, but I think his probable Oscar win will be more for the return of a beloved and nostalgic Hollywood nice guy, rather than anything resembling transcendence. (MVP of the film is Oscar nominee Hong Chau, who is excellent as Charlie’s long-suffering friend/nurse/sister of Charlie’s dead lover.)

But whether or not Fraser’s performance is award-worthy, it’s a performance that deserves a better movie than this calculating claptrap.… Expand

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9

katezoeMar 4, 2023

Brendan Fraser deserves the Academy Award for this horrifying at times yet sad performance. Career best!!!

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10

liamexeMar 2, 2023

Every minute of the movie gave the telling of the story force, focusing the audience's attention on the characters and dialogue. The characters occasionally seemed strange or unusually acted, but by the conclusion, everything makes sense.Every minute of the movie gave the telling of the story force, focusing the audience's attention on the characters and dialogue. The characters occasionally seemed strange or unusually acted, but by the conclusion, everything makes sense. There wasn't a single moment that didn't work. With everything that was happening on the screen, filming, colours, and even the ancient screen ratio worked really well. The soundtrack was excellently supported, and the ominous instrumentation was perfect. The story continued adding fresh information at the perfect speed to leave room for the next puzzle piece and emotional trip. While rating the film, I was unable to discover anything I would modify.… Expand

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5

bertobellamyMar 1, 2023

In Darren Aronofsky's films, the body becomes the enemy of his protagonists. Just as Nina fights a painful transformation in 'Black Swan' and Robin forces his heart in 'The Wrestler,' Charlie faces death because of his morbid obesity. TheIn Darren Aronofsky's films, the body becomes the enemy of his protagonists. Just as Nina fights a painful transformation in 'Black Swan' and Robin forces his heart in 'The Wrestler,' Charlie faces death because of his morbid obesity. The choice of portraying this condition is controversial, let alone the decision of using a fat suit for it. But the most baffling thing about it is realizing how regular this movie is despite some stellar performances. Not counting the borderline caricature acting of Sadie Sink as a rebellious and mean teenager, everyone does a good job here. Brendan Fraser gives his best performance yet as a kind-hearted man that desperately tries to make everyone see the good things in life. Hong Chau also shines as a frustrated woman looking to ease her pain by trying to save his friend. And Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton also have notable interventions throughout the film as a troubled missionary and a defeated mother, respectively. The problem, without a doubt, is the story.

Although some passages ring the right notes with emotional and introspective moments, the focus on the morbid is very distracting. Also, the stagey production doesn't work well; the original material suffers from superficiality. Aronofsky and playwright Samuel D. Hunter look so desperately trying to find symbols in everything and giving them to the audience in search of artificially elevating their work. And with that, it falls into Fraser's shoulders the responsibility of shining a light on this very problematic work. 'The Whale' poses a troublesome question: does an extremely obese man deserves to be loved? By making Charlie a man who lives apologizing all the time and converting his eating disorder into a spectacle, Aronofsky and Hunter seem to 'forgive' him of his "sins." Whatever they think they are.… Expand

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8

maaden_sweFeb 28, 2023

Fantastic performance from Brendan and the rest of the cast. Interesting story and what a job by the makeup department. Also, go read the negative user reviews for this movie, its hilarious.

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0

VikoenFeb 27, 2023

Es una basura de película., no tiene nada autentico u original.. perderé la fe en la humanidad si a esto le dan un oscar.. xD

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10

supermalik987Feb 26, 2023

Darren Aronofsky movie have away to my feel emotional for the movie and his cast. Most of us grew up watching Brendan Fraser from the mummy, George of the jungle of any of his movie . And it really sad about his struggle in Hollywood. With inDarren Aronofsky movie have away to my feel emotional for the movie and his cast. Most of us grew up watching Brendan Fraser from the mummy, George of the jungle of any of his movie . And it really sad about his struggle in Hollywood. With in the time I go to the movies theater I never saw a room where everyone broke down in tear or try to hold back at. I need to know I have done one thing write with my life. And who is going to be excited he going to be in a Martin Scorsese movie… Expand

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6

AREXPFeb 26, 2023

Review: Entertainment: 1/5
Acting: 4/5
Story: 3/5 (depressing if you are a motivated individual) Score/Screenplay/Sound: 3/5 Length: 4/5 Is it worth watching a second time: No Watch it Alone or In a group setting? Alone Keywords: Obese,Review: Entertainment: 1/5
Acting: 4/5
Story: 3/5 (depressing if you are a motivated individual)
Score/Screenplay/Sound: 3/5
Length: 4/5

Is it worth watching a second time: No

Watch it Alone or In a group setting? Alone

Keywords: Obese, LTGB, Christianity, Mid-West and South, Depression, Anger

P.S. Don't watch it during Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve or NYE… Expand

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8

Amirhosein2005Feb 26, 2023

One of the masterpieces of the last few years... with an impressive and completely human story and wonderful acting

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8

SoulWarfareFeb 25, 2023

A magnificent return from Brendan Fraser! He gives a phenomenal performance as Charlie that shows the grief, pain and yet the positivity of his morbidly obese character that makes him more complex. Hong Chau is also terrific as the nurse Liz.A magnificent return from Brendan Fraser! He gives a phenomenal performance as Charlie that shows the grief, pain and yet the positivity of his morbidly obese character that makes him more complex. Hong Chau is also terrific as the nurse Liz. She gives a performance that illustrates the struggle and pain of someone watching their friend self-destruct. I love the use of a 4:3 aspect ratio to really capture the claustrophobic nature of the apartment and to illustrate the obesity as Charlie takes much of the screen. The music score by Rob Simonsen is great and the makeup for the fat suit is stunning. This movie isn't for everyone as it is depressing and quite melodramatic. It also has some issues in the writing and story, especially considering one character who appears throughout but didn't add much to the plot in the end. Nevertheless, the movie is a hauntingly and heartbreakingly beautiful experience.… Expand

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6

HerickDienerFeb 25, 2023

"The Whale" é claramente um filme para os seus atores brilharem, mas, nem sempre isso é suficiente, e não da para julgar quem quiser problematizar seu roteiro. Hong Chau mostrou o porque de existir categorias para atores coadjuvantes nas"The Whale" é claramente um filme para os seus atores brilharem, mas, nem sempre isso é suficiente, e não da para julgar quem quiser problematizar seu roteiro. Hong Chau mostrou o porque de existir categorias para atores coadjuvantes nas premiações. Ela transforma em seu espetáculo cada cena interpretando uma amiga atenciosa ao mesmo tempo que negligente, como todos os personagens.

Por outro lado, Sadie Sink me fez questionar se ela é uma péssima atriz ou seu texto e enredo foi extremamente mal escrito. Terminei o filme preferindo acreditar na segunda opção. Brendan Fraser está realmente ótimo. É admirável quando um ator consegue nos passar emoção com tanta maquiagem à sua volta. Darren Aronofsky é um diretor com um excelente histórico, mas dessa vez "Tha Whale" foi salvo por algumas boas atuações, que nos fazem esquecer de diálogos expositivos ruins e portas iluminadas sendo abertas.

Ah, alguém entrega nas mãos de Samantha Morton um grande filme para protagonizar. Ela é fantástica!… Expand

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10

Matryx2Feb 22, 2023

Una obra que llega y toca emociones profundas como pocas. Mejor actor del año

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9

tchoisserFeb 22, 2023

I was expecting this movie for so long! Beautiful and sad. The amazing soundtrack makes you feel like you're observong this giant animal living it's sad life day by day. Honesty is a key word.

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7

alanpotter17Feb 22, 2023

A atuação do Fraser é a melhor coisa do filme, e sua caracterização também está muito convincente. Mas que sujeitinho chato hein. Irritante demais. Eu já teria desistido dele, a amiga merece um prêmio.

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0

raporgiFeb 22, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A vomit inducing hellscape into the misery obsessed hack director's disgusting fantasies. If you like watching a formerly handsome actor at his lowest this is the movie for you. Its another one of those loser movies that pops up every couple of years like "Jeff who lives at home", "C&ck" etc. Darren Arnofsky makes a movie about a enormously obese gay man who masturbates furiously to gay porn. Somehow he turns this floater into "Finding Forrester" for gay fat people. Darren needs to commit himself to an asylum or confine himself to a monastery to atone for his various crimes against cinema and the audience.… Expand

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2

swiftouchFeb 22, 2023

So are there people out there that have so much money they make movies that have no chance at all at recovering the production cost? It's like watching an extended episode of my 600 lb life, only darker and more depressing. Lost a lot ofSo are there people out there that have so much money they make movies that have no chance at all at recovering the production cost? It's like watching an extended episode of my 600 lb life, only darker and more depressing. Lost a lot of respect for BF for even staring in it. Was this supposed to be his big comeback validation movie? Actors should avoid Aronofsky at all costs.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

sachineldhoFeb 21, 2023

The plot was intriguing, and the performances were excellent; however, the writing was sloppy at times. The missionary guy character was totally unnecessary and did not add anything significant to the plot. Expected more from a talentedThe plot was intriguing, and the performances were excellent; however, the writing was sloppy at times. The missionary guy character was totally unnecessary and did not add anything significant to the plot. Expected more from a talented director like Aronofsky.… Expand

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9

FortMira80Feb 20, 2023

Tremendous performances by Brendan Fraser and Hong Chau. Strong performance by Sadie Sink as well. Despite majority of scenes occurring in one room, due to the script and direction, the movie never felt boring.

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6

JLuis_001Feb 18, 2023

Isolation. No self-esteem. Basically unable to move. Heading for death.

The Whale abuses drama to a level of emotional manipulation that I personally have always denounced, especially since so much of what this film initially offers is thatIsolation. No self-esteem. Basically unable to move. Heading for death.

The Whale abuses drama to a level of emotional manipulation that I personally have always denounced, especially since so much of what this film initially offers is that one is simply supposed to feel sorry for Brendan Fraser's character, and even that might be a natural reaction in real life, it doesn't feel quite right, you know?
The whole concept of this tale is based on that, so there's a number of limitations in that plot.

We're watching a man who has completely abandoned himself, who knows his hours are numbered and who evidently no longer has any yearnings in this life except to resolve his last conflicts before dying all alone.

Brendan Fraser is tasked by Darren Aronofsky to carry the full weight of the drama and he, as you can see from the results, rose to the challenge, and dramatically speaking delivers the best role of his entire career.

Unfortunately, the film, based on a play, shows limitations caused by its unique location.
Between misery and agony, The Whale teeters a fine line between genuine emotion and what may seem like voyeurism from the viewer to see how far he falls as he annihilates himself.
It's not repulsive, but it's morbid and that point of the story, I cannot redeem it in any way.

Aronofsky shows nothing new. His habits are already well known, but the work is at least thorough.
The Whale is a slow film that builds itself from the ground up on the performances delivered by its actors.

And yes, Hong Chau and Sadie Sink's acting work should be mentioned, but this film is all Brendan Fraser.
The quest of his character for legacy and dignity isn't pretty and while it wasn't what I expected, I wasn't disappointed either.… Expand

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9

alejandro970Feb 16, 2023

As a film, it is a severe and profound reflection that your worst enemy is in the mirror. Precisely, the character of Brendan Fraser is the core of the plot, and causes mixed feelings such as disgust, sympathy and compassion. After seeingAs a film, it is a severe and profound reflection that your worst enemy is in the mirror. Precisely, the character of Brendan Fraser is the core of the plot, and causes mixed feelings such as disgust, sympathy and compassion. After seeing this movie, one will never see or criticize fat people in the same way.… Expand

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10

laytonalanFeb 9, 2023

The sincerity Brendan Fraser and Hong Chau bring to this film can not be understated. As a gay person currently leaving religion in my personal life, this film is just what I needed.

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9

maskedrider29Jan 31, 2023

Amazing! Brendan Fraser has never been better! He's an amazing actor and this is the best example of his incredible acting. HIGHLY recommended!

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9

OrchidCJan 28, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lights come up and we are all still sitting stunned. I am watching the credits through tears unable to move, overwhelmed in an ocean of emotion. I knew this would be my visceral reaction to Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale(2022) after only seeing the movie trailer. I came to the movie theater to cry alone and while I was not alone, their was a good amount of people for a Tuesday night. I did indeed cry hard many times. The film opens with a long shot of a bus and a dying field. It seems to be winter time. This sets a somber tone. The audience does not know it yet but that is a young man running away from his mistakes into the arms of the New Life church by the name of Thomas. Cut to a Zoom class where we here the instructor’s voice but his square is blacked out. There is a dramatic transition from the Zoom class to title of film to our main character Charlie played phenomenally by Brendan Fraser. He is a morbidly obese English professor which is why his Zoom screen was black. Making us immediately hyper aware that he knows he makes people uncomfortable. There is a jarring cut to him masturbating to gay porn but only barely. Because he immediately has what seems like a slight heart attack, later we find out it is congestive heart failure. I really loved this shot which will be used in the film often. The camera pans from behind Charlie to in front and around him in a 360 motion. As if to say there is a lot to take in here. The setting rarely changes throughout the whole film. We are mostly in Charlie’s slightly cluttered apartment. In a scene you can see some trash wedged under the cabinets. Although we rarely leave the apartment plot wise the character dynamics keep the audience captivated. We are seeing this man’s life and struggles from his point of view of being a prisoner in his home and ultimately in his body. Throughout the film I found myself asking why are you doing this to yourself? But then I would have to ask myself the same thing; we all can exhibit self-sabotaging behaviors sometimes. This is illustrated by the character Liz his nurse and best friend played by Hong Chau. Who loves him and tries to help him as much as he allows himself to be helped. She also has a dark since of humor and is not afraid to call him out on his **** She says this line in the beginning that stuck out to me. “Being in debt is better than being dead.” She is referring to him going to the hospital without insurance. It is sad that in American society this is what we must contend with when it comes to healthcare. Throughout the film we see Charlie’s refusal to go. Almost as if he is resigned to dying. But before he goes which he struggles with internally he wants his teen daughter to know how special she is. We learn that Ellie played by Sadie Sink his daughter hasn’t had contact with him much since she was eight and he left her to pursue a romantic relationship with a man. Obviously, this deeply pained her and she acts out throughout the film. So much so that he has to bribe her to spend time with him. Everything Sadie does is to let the world know she is hurting. She has been this way for so long her mother thinks she is evil. Charlie feels such overwhelming guilt about that decision he takes any scraps of quality time with her. We realize in the end how truly amazing he thinks she is. This is even after she drugged him. Between this and the death of his lover, Charlie just could not get through these hard emotions of loss and failure. This is shown with a scene where he is gorging himself with copious amounts of food while an ominous orchestra music plays in the background. In one scene he says “Who would want me to be apart of their life.” He is so disappointed with himself he can not see how sweet and tender he truly is. There is a bit of a religious element with several characters close proximity to the New Life Church. But the main characters don’t buy into the doctrine. To me this film is not about God but about self and how we grapple with the decisions we make. I won’t ruin the end for you, but it is so moving. I will say I love how he ascends to his daughter’s words. The very words he was so moved by. What he tried to teach his students to be honest to be vulnerable that is powerful writing. And that is what makes this film so moving. There is an honesty about our weaknesses. How hard it is to face our mistakes and not let our disappointment in self get the best of us. If you are not crying hard by the end you have a heart made of stone or maybe this just isn’t the film for you. But Darren Aronofsky I salute you as one of the best film makers in my lifetime. Who knows how to show the complexity of emotion we all experience in this life.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

TomMondayDec 10, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sometimes you just write words into the internet so you can see how they sound on the outside. Sometimes someone reads those words.… Expand

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

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10

TirakisJan 26, 2023

Love this movie! So sad and sobbing end! Very good performance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

MarkHReviewsJan 25, 2023

In “The Whale,” actor Brendan Fraser (“Crash,” “The Mummy” series) is transformed by prosthetics into a character so morbidly obese that simply rising from a chair represents superhuman effort. Director Darren Aronofsky (“The Wrestler,”In “The Whale,” actor Brendan Fraser (“Crash,” “The Mummy” series) is transformed by prosthetics into a character so morbidly obese that simply rising from a chair represents superhuman effort. Director Darren Aronofsky (“The Wrestler,” “Black Swan”) confronts us with this spectacle, then dares us to look away. Aronofsky also injects a few familiar elements into the proceedings – an anguished protagonist, surrealism and a general sense of melodrama.

In this chamber piece, Charlie (Fraser) has congestive heart failure. He’s literally eating himself to death. In Idaho. He’s unable to leave his claustrophobic, poorly-lit apartment. He spends his time teaching online classes in creative writing and receiving caretaker visits from Liz (a fantastic Hong Chau – “The Watchmen TV series). Realizing that he is in his last days, Charlie makes a final effort to reconnect with his daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink – TV’s “Stranger Things”). As they story unfolds, the moviegoer learns that Charlie abandoned Ellie when she was eight because he fell in love with a male student. Unsurprisingly, Ellie has some anger and abandonment issues.

One of the fascinating elements of this film is Charlie’s steadfast optimism. When Ellie’s mother describes her as evil, Charlie rises, metaphorically, to her defense. It’s an intended irony that Charlie is able to offer powerful grace and absolution (there are a fair number of theological themes here) to nearly everyone but himself.

Throughout, “The Whale” feels much more like a play than a movie. It was originally a stage production, with playwright Samuel D. Hunter acting here as the screenwriter. Some of the “action,” dialogue and staging are never translated effectively to this different medium. It becomes a distraction when the actors sometimes seem restricted to broad movements and loud voices, mannerisms that don’t work well with Aronofsky’s camera inches from their faces.

It’s hard to know how to react honestly to Fraser’s performance. It’s a long Hollywood tradition to respect, even revere, actors who go through dramatic physical transformations. Think Christian Bale in “The Fighter,” Charlize Theron in “Monster,” Joaquin Phoenix in “The Joker,” or most recently Glenn Close in “Hillbilly Elegy.” Here, Fraser does a wonderful job of showing the humanity and humor of a character who could easily be singularly unappealing. But I’m not sure it’s worth the Oscar buzz generated by many professional critics.

Ultimately, “The Whale” is a study in inconsistency. Its paradoxes can be summed up by one of the key scenes where Charlie earnestly applauds and encourages the members of his online class who have made the effort to reveal themselves by expressing their own hard-earned truths. It’s ironic that this exhortation comes from a character whose enormous bulk is clearly used to keep everyone away.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

andshereviewsJan 24, 2023

Whale is a raw movie that cuts into your emotions. Brandon and Sadie chemistry of a father and daughter is believable. I'm used to seeing Brandon in light and fun movies, and this was completely different. I don't want to give anything away.Whale is a raw movie that cuts into your emotions. Brandon and Sadie chemistry of a father and daughter is believable. I'm used to seeing Brandon in light and fun movies, and this was completely different. I don't want to give anything away. Sadie's performance in this was just as great as Brandon, and it needed to be. It wouldn't have worked if it wasn't. I loved this movie. I have recommended this movie to all my family and friends. I really don't want to give out details of this movie. So, I wanted to share the performances of Brandon and Sadie. This movie is in my Top 5 Movies.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

NOOTNO0TJan 23, 2023

This film goes against most films in the modern day and I really hope that it's filmography and storyline isn't repeated. This film gets it right and it's story doesn't need to be butchered. Brendan Fraser's performance was phenomenal in thisThis film goes against most films in the modern day and I really hope that it's filmography and storyline isn't repeated. This film gets it right and it's story doesn't need to be butchered. Brendan Fraser's performance was phenomenal in this film and It definitely isn't a feel good type of film but when you need it you definitely need it. I recommend this film too anybody who can handle its very real feeling story.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

TyyroneMuggaJan 22, 2023

Interest 10/10
Characters 9/10
Cinematography/Set 8/10
Story 9/10
Acting 9.5/10

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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0

MarkoDJan 20, 2023

Not for me. Ba acting, directing and writing. Pretty much boring. But that is just my opinion

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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10

DH58Jan 16, 2023

This is one of the Best Movies that I have ever seen in my life. Brendan Fraser should win Best Actor and Sadie Sink should win Best Actress! It has several parts that will keep you wondering what's going to happen next. Watch out for aThis is one of the Best Movies that I have ever seen in my life. Brendan Fraser should win Best Actor and Sadie Sink should win Best Actress! It has several parts that will keep you wondering what's going to happen next. Watch out for a surprise ending that I didn't see coming. I hope you like my review of this movie!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

nnogohkoJan 6, 2023

At first, I wasn't sure if I liked the character of Charlie at first but seeing him desperately trying to reconnect with his daughter won me over. Charlie constantly saying his daughter is amazing no matter how **** she treats him throughoutAt first, I wasn't sure if I liked the character of Charlie at first but seeing him desperately trying to reconnect with his daughter won me over. Charlie constantly saying his daughter is amazing no matter how **** she treats him throughout this movie (with good reason of course) was very sympathetic. For Brendan Fraser's performance alone, The Whale is worth watching. However, I truly thought Hong Chau and Sadie Sink were also phenomenal in the film especially Sadie Sink who I think should be nominated for best supporting actress at the Oscars. The finale of this movie is absolutely heartwrenching and there is a line that Ellie says to Charlie that is just so heartbreaking towards the end I wasn't even able to cry since it was just so emotionally potent. I just kind of froze me. I think Ty Simpkins' character is the only character I think wasn't really necessary to the plot although he was great in the role. The movie is just under two hours but because of that story line the film feels a little dragged out sometimes. The prosthetic makeup on Brendan Fraser is also flawless.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

DarkShadow024Jan 3, 2023

Очень хороший фильм, мне понравилось его смотреть, советую посмотреть. Я был впечатлен историей, а также актеры хорошо сыграли свои роли.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

Stream2BigScreeDec 30, 2022

Hey, Streamers! I hope you had a good holiday and you're ready for some more awards hopefuls. I was able to get to a theater to catch The Whale. I've been hearing a lot about an awards-worthy performance and comeback from everyone's favoriteHey, Streamers! I hope you had a good holiday and you're ready for some more awards hopefuls. I was able to get to a theater to catch The Whale. I've been hearing a lot about an awards-worthy performance and comeback from everyone's favorite man from Encino, Brendan Fraser. Here's whether the performance and the movie around it live up to the hype. (Spoiler Alert: It doesn't)

Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream) directed the The Whale, which is based on a play by the same person who wrote the screenplay, Samuel D. Hunter. Brendan Fraser plays Charlie, a 600-pound man who is attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink), in his final week of life. Charlie has one friend, Liz (Hong Chau), who provides some care for him but she also enables his worst impulses at times. Other characters pop in and out of Charlie's cloistered apartment as he fumbles through teaching an online writing course while binge-eating himself to death. A barrel of laughs ensues, he said sarcastically.

The Whale desperately wants to be a tearjerker. Charlie is set up as a tragic figure, and the movie tells the audience that Charlie knocking on deaths door. Everything about this character says pity this man. The problem is that the movie is so overwrought that it leads towards the comical. The worst offense is the poor makeup job and fat suit that Brendan Fraser is encased it. On top of that, Brendan Fraser is doing the absolute most - and not in a good way - with his performance. He desperately wants that Oscar with the way he screams and cries throughout this melodramatic bore. Also, there is a bad performance by Sadie Sink as the angsty teenager. She is the worst person in the world, and Sink does nothing to humanize her. Both Charlie and Ellie become caricatures, which is ultimately very tiresome and off-putting.

There really isn't much else to The Whale. It is a movie that is very obviously based on a play since it is stuck in one location and characters come in and out of the scene. This material may work better on the stage than on the big screen, but the screenplay is pretty bad. The obvious metaphor with Moby Dick, which Charlie references constantly throughout, is so annoying that if you are not rolling your eyes by the end then you are better than me.

The one saving grace is that Hong Chau shows up every now and then and does her best to bring some real life to the film. In the scenes with Chau and Fraser, there is good chemistry, and there is a glimpse of the heartfelt and sensitive film that could have been.

Ultimately, The Whale is extremely melodramatic. Fraser goes for every Oscar clip he can and only lands a few when Chau is around. The fat suit is off-putting and Sadie Sink is bad throughout the movie. There is a small speck of a decent idea here, but not enough to make a trip to the theater worthwhile. Stream if bored, at best. One popped kernel.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

EBERTSBIGTHUMBDec 29, 2022

'If this wasnt a "Brendan Fraser comeback movie" it would be a schmaltzy made for T.V melodrama.

And in all honesty, he's not even that good in it. It's just Brendan Fraser and since he's been missed from movies for so long, the General'If this wasnt a "Brendan Fraser comeback movie" it would be a schmaltzy made for T.V melodrama.

And in all honesty, he's not even that good in it. It's just Brendan Fraser and since he's been missed from movies for so long, the General Public just missed him so any drama role would have gotten him the Oscar just because of the timing. Put me in a fat suit and I'll do just as good of a job if not better. And I'm not even an actor!

Don't get me wrong, Brendan is a nice guy. I like him, And he's definitely going to get the Oscar, but this movie is trash.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

michael27_2Dec 29, 2022

Sad. Dark. Depressing Homosexuality Aggressive people
Stay away. Does not worth your money

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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10

websterzinDec 27, 2022

Perhaps the only movie to truthfully represent a morbid obese individual and the struggles they deal with every day of their lives. Woke idiots hate this movie because they say it "fat shames". In reality, it is the opposite of fat-shaming.Perhaps the only movie to truthfully represent a morbid obese individual and the struggles they deal with every day of their lives. Woke idiots hate this movie because they say it "fat shames". In reality, it is the opposite of fat-shaming. This is an honest and empathetic film and the world is better with Darren Aronofsky making it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

moviecritic68Dec 25, 2022

Not sure why the word comedy was used in the genre description. Nothing funny about this movie. Well filmed and acted but some scenes were disturbing to watch. Not a movie for the light-hearted. Brendan Fraser was great portraying his character.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

Suz1251Dec 23, 2022

An amazing cast who all have an amazing performance. The music is on point with how Charlie is feeling when he feels it. Made everyone in the theater an emotional wreck. This movie does its job to pull you into the shoes of the protagonist,An amazing cast who all have an amazing performance. The music is on point with how Charlie is feeling when he feels it. Made everyone in the theater an emotional wreck. This movie does its job to pull you into the shoes of the protagonist, Charlie. You feel for him and with him during the movie. Such a well done film, the people complaining about it and calling this movie fat-shaming are virtue signaling and don't know what their talking about. I've read reviews that claim "the music is supposed to be dark to show that Charlie's doing something bad" however, I took the music to be Charlie's emotions he's angry the music is angry, he's depressed the music is depressing. I take the music as a que to what Charlie is feeling at the time the music is playing. It's an amazing film and I can tell everyone who worked on it did an amazing job.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

praneelrajaDec 24, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was hoping it would be a good film. The film wasted my time. To put it short the Brendon does not learn his lesson and ends up dying.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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7

TVJerryDec 22, 2022

When actors go above and beyond to create a physically challenged character, it often gets noticed at awards time. That buzz is certainly around Brendan Fraser, who dons a fat suit to play a homebound 600-pound English teacher. TheWhen actors go above and beyond to create a physically challenged character, it often gets noticed at awards time. That buzz is certainly around Brendan Fraser, who dons a fat suit to play a homebound 600-pound English teacher. The impediments and challenges that a morbidly obese person faces are explored, but the story also delves into the personal struggles that lend humanity to the character and drama to the narrative. Fraser's sensitive portrayal in deeply touching and the other members of the small cast contribute effective performances. The fact that this was adapted from a stage play becomes apparent when the situations sometimes get repetitive and the interactions seem emotionally claustrophobic. Director Darren Aronofsky has created a low-key tension throughout, but the climatic scenes aren't as powerful as Fraser's performance merits.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

moviemitch96Dec 20, 2022

Brendan Fraser stars in what's being hyped up as his major comeback performance (and rightfully so) as a reclusive, morbidly obese 600 lb online English professor who makes one final desperate attempt to reconnect with his estranged teenageBrendan Fraser stars in what's being hyped up as his major comeback performance (and rightfully so) as a reclusive, morbidly obese 600 lb online English professor who makes one final desperate attempt to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter years after leaving her and her mother for a man he fell in love with. Directed by Darren Aronofsky ('Requiem For a Dream', 'The Wrestler', and 'Black Swan' just to name a few), and adapted from the stage play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter, this intimate and personal look at a man who's seemingly lost everything and makes one last desperate bid for redemption in an effort to cling onto the one thing he let go of that he regrets the most is a rather Oscar baity-seeming film from a distance (and is most certainly is in some regards.) However, it's also full of heart and empathy (at least at times.) Certain characters, insults, lines of dialogue, etc. can't help but come across as overly harsh and fatphobic at times, but in other moments, the film is a powerful reminder and reaffirming look at the goodness of people that's often enough to reassure many viewers of the kinds of people that can and do still exist in this world. Fraser's hype lived up to every expectation of mine. He is simply phenomenal and deserves every accolade that comes his way (including an Oscar hopefully.) He's bound to rip out just about any viewer's heart. Even the supporting players turn in strong performances, with Sadie Sink of 'Stranger Thing's fame as his stubborn and rebellious daughter, and Hong Chau as his tough-loving nurse. Samantha Morton also briefly appears in one memorable scene as his ex wife. While the film itself sometimes feels cloying and forced with emotion, and the ending came off as a little sappy and corny to me, the emotion and heartache felt by the end is mostly well worth it thanks largely in part to Fraser and the rest of the cast's bold performances. This is an actor's film more than anything. It definitely takes center stage over the story, writing, etc. Overall, it's certainly a heavy watch (no pun intended there), and despite feeling like forced Oscar bait and artificially emotional at times, it's Fraser and his strong supporting cast that truly elevates this film into something greater.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

ccateniDec 20, 2022

When the film ended, the cinema was in silence.
I'm not sure if this is a good thing...
I personally thought it was a well made film, but with little rewatchability due to being so depressing to watch.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

DivineCommedieDec 20, 2022

It's not a fatman drama. Like Dostoevsky's novels, it tells about the depressions that many of us experience but ignore in life with great acting by Brendan Fraser.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

IsteffyDec 16, 2022

Most of the negative reviews here are trying to paint this picture as fatphobic, or saying that it was inappropriate for someone to wear a fat suit. Please ignore these health-ignorant reviews and try to view this as the fine filmmaking itMost of the negative reviews here are trying to paint this picture as fatphobic, or saying that it was inappropriate for someone to wear a fat suit. Please ignore these health-ignorant reviews and try to view this as the fine filmmaking it is.

Brendan does a fantastic job, and really reminds me why I loved him so much in his early movies. The movie is not your typical hollywood movie and most of it takes place in one room. This is a movie for those who appreciate good filmmaking and writing.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

CalamityJayDec 11, 2022

This movie left me in awe at Brendan Fraser. The man completely disappeared into the role, and made me feel empathy for his 600lb. character. Give this man the Oscar! There are times where I pitied him, and other times I felt sorry for him.This movie left me in awe at Brendan Fraser. The man completely disappeared into the role, and made me feel empathy for his 600lb. character. Give this man the Oscar! There are times where I pitied him, and other times I felt sorry for him. The movie does a great job of creating a sense of hopefulness and joy in a depraved world. Hong Chau and Samantha Morton give great supporting performances. The setting makes you feel like you're with Brendan throughout most of the movie, and it helps to connect with you in a heartfelt way. Sometimes, the movie is difficult to watch because of certain "scenes," but ultimately, it's a tragic story about a man living with the mistakes of his past and trying to push forward. Definitely give this a watch!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

CalvinCrackDec 10, 2022

Great great movie. Brendan and all the other actors brought their A-game to this. Aranofsky and Libatique do a wonderful job of telling this story emotionally and visually, especially given the limited scope of setting. Most importantly IGreat great movie. Brendan and all the other actors brought their A-game to this. Aranofsky and Libatique do a wonderful job of telling this story emotionally and visually, especially given the limited scope of setting. Most importantly I thought the film (/play) was well conceived and written. It’s a very human tale about grief and addiction that I think anyone can relate to, even if they aren’t 600lbs.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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