Whalefall Review
Whalefall, directed by Brian Duffield based on Daniel Kraus' novel of the same name, pulls the viewer into an unthinkably frightening, incredibly gross, and panic-inducing environment that plays on primal human fears about being predator or prey. As visceral as the film is, Whalefall is ultimately a moving story about grief and the gulf that can develop between fathers and sons. An exceptional…
Whalefall, a survival thriller directed by Brian Duffield and based on Daniel Kraus’ bestselling book, hits theaters on October 16. The film follows young scuba diver Jay Gardiner, portrayed by Austin Abrams, who finds himself swallowed by a massive sperm whale. With only an hour of oxygen left, Jay must struggle to survive in the cramped, claustrophobic belly of the beast.
The film’s creators took great care to bring the horrors of the whale’s interior to life, building a belly for Jonah (a nod to the biblical tale) and incorporating excruciating and realistic elements of the toxic environment, as well as the threats from other sea creatures still alive within the whale. Jay’s journey is further complicated by his personal struggle, as he is searching for the remains of his father, Mitt (Josh Brolin).
Mitt, a well-liked diver and whale-watching boat skipper, drowned himself due to mesothelioma, a condition that robbed him of the ability to dive and connect with nature. Jay’s grief and guilt over their strained relationship, stemming from a past falling out, serve as a driving force throughout the film.
What sets Whalefall apart from other man vs. nature/beast stories is its focus on the relationship between father and son. Despite their volatile history, Jay finds himself reflecting on his father’s teachings about diving and nature as he fights for survival. This theme culminates in a powerful and moving third act, where the symbolism of the whale intertwines with Jay’s thoughts about his late father, Mitt.
While the film’s device of Jay’s oxygen supply running out is occasionally pushed to the brink of absurdity, it never falls flat, resulting in a sincere and emotionally engaging experience.
Josh Brolin delivers a standout performance as Mitt, embodying a complex character who is both tough and vulnerable. Brolin’s portrayal of Mitt, a mix of a New Age hippie and a Hell's Angel, adds depth to the story and ultimately makes him a sympathetic character. Austin Abrams, as Jay, carries the film with remarkable commitment, enduring a physically demanding role and conveying a range of emotions through his eyes and subtle grunts.
Even in scenes on land, Abrams ensures that Jay’s emotional avoidance feels like a survival mechanism rather than a sign of immaturity. Whalefall is a visceral, grueling survival tale that ultimately transcends the genre, focusing on the powerful bond between father and son.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
