The Whale – REVIEW
Image: Brendan Fraser in The Whale. Image: film still
The Whale is a psychological drama that is dark and unpleasant to watch at times, but should inspire audiences to be better human beings and may also inadvertently have them reconsider their relationships with estranged family members.
Brendan Fraser plays the role of a reclusive and obese English teacher who delivers lessons online with his webcam switched off. He is suffering from a congestive heart condition and only has one week to live, refusing to go to hospital.
He wants to rekindle the relationship with his 17 year old daughter whom he hasn’t seen in eight years, desperately striving to make up for lost time.
Based on the highly praised play by Samuel D. Hunter, the small ensemble cast of five actors delivers a story concerning grief, family, redemption, and reconciliation. Fraser is extraordinary as this tragic larger than life character and should deservedly be in the running for an Oscar for his portrayal.
Actress Sadie Sink has digressed from her popular role in the popular Netflix fantasy/horror series Stranger Things to play the estranged daughter whose own mother describes as evil and hateful. After watching her remarkable performance she irrefutably has a bright future as an actress.
This performance-driven vehicle which sees Fraser return to the silver screen after a long absence is depressing, emotionally draining, and exhausting to watch. It meticulously highlights the darkness in living with obesity and audiences may be repulsed by the overbearing and hideous shots of the naked body of an obese man and his irrational binge eating bouts.
What was the tragic event in his life which made him decide to binge eat most certainly accelerating his premature death? Can he reconnect with his daughter who regards him as a disgusting human being?
This is a small art house gem that may only appeal to a niche market but a remarkable cinematic achievement that deserves much accolade.
★★★★
In Cinemas February 2
