The Whale - SPOILER-FREE Review | LFF 2022
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© A24
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Written by: Samuel D. Hunter
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, Samantha Morton
Runtime: 117 min
Synopsis: A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Firstshowing. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
The Whale earns its place in the "most tearful films of the year" list as it moves slowly yet efficiently towards its overwhelmingly emotional ending, especially elevated by the most subtly powerful & irrefutably moving performance of Brendan Fraser's career. The rest of the cast contributes to the construction of a character with whom tremendous compassion is produced, but it isn't an easily digestible movie due to its disturbing, uncomfortable moments. Darren Aronofsky presents a depressing, passionate, and, above all, brutally honest story about trauma, acceptance, and positivity. The filmmaker's lack of restraint may be a trigger for some, but the impact of his messages couldn't be more memorable. Bring tissues.
