Review of The Whale (2022) by Jluis_001 — 18 Feb 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 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.