The Whale

Darren Aronofsky directs Samuel D. Hunter’s own screen adaptation of his stage play. Brendan Fraser is Charlie, a lecture teaching online writing courses to university students, he does so hidden away in his cheap apartment and hiding from his students, “yes my webcam is still broken”, his morbid obesity. He struggles to move, to breathe and it’s killing him. He relies on the support of his friend Liz (Hong Chau) a nurse as he refuses to go to hospital. But knowing his health is failing him he wants to reconnect with his 17 yr old daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink). She has her own challenges. She’s lonely, struggling at school and angry, at life, but mostly her father. In the middle of this is Thomas (Ty Simpkins) a church missionary who thinks he can save Charlie. We follow a week of Charlie’s life as he comes to terms with what his choices and his weight has done to him and others.

Throughout the film is the use of Moby Dick, the idea of a man trying to kill a whale because he thinks it will make him feel better. And this, rather than Charlie’s weight is the heart of the story.

It’s not just Charlie we find dealing with Whales, Ellie, Liz and Thomas are all hiding behind or lashing out at something or someone who they think is holding them back. It is this rich exploration of these characters that makes it a warm and engaging watch.

Fraser awards recognition is well deserved, because while his character can look pitiful Fraser ensures we see Charlie’s warmth and charm, making him someone you care about. Sadie Sink does a similarly strong job portraying Ellie, she’s angry, petulant and unpleasant. But she’s also vulnerable and caring, in her own way.

The film is cleverly shot in 4:3 pulling you in and ensuring the focus is close up and personal. And It’s emotional final scene worked a treat for me.

The Whale is a thoughtful, engaging piece of storytelling. Lit up by Fraser who ensures that Charlie’s emotional warmth shines through the layers of prosthetics he’s buried under. A story of caring and love, that charmed me throughout.