Review: The Whale (2022)
Introduction
The Whale (2022), directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, is a deeply emotional drama that explores themes of grief, self-destruction, redemption, and human connection. Based on the play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter, the film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive, morbidly obese English professor who attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter while grappling with his deteriorating health and unresolved trauma.
Fraser’s transformative performance, combined with Aronofsky’s intimate direction, makes The Whale a poignant and thought-provoking character study. With its heavy emotional themes and intense performances, the film leaves a lasting impact, challenging audiences to confront difficult questions about empathy, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships.
Plot Summary
The story takes place almost entirely within the confines of Charlie’s small, dimly lit apartment, enhancing the film’s claustrophobic and isolating atmosphere. Charlie (Brendan Fraser) is an online college professor who never turns on his webcam, preferring to remain unseen by his students. He is severely obese, a result of years of compulsive overeating triggered by the loss of his partner, Alan. Charlie’s health is rapidly declining, and his friend and caregiver, Liz (Hong Chau), constantly urges him to seek medical attention, though he refuses.
As his condition worsens, Charlie attempts to make amends with his estranged teenage daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink), whom he abandoned years ago. Ellie is bitter, rebellious, and angry at her father, but she agrees to spend time with him in exchange for financial assistance. Throughout the film, their interactions shift between moments of tenderness and harsh confrontations, revealing deep-seated pain and unresolved resentment.
Other key figures enter Charlie’s life: Thomas (Ty Simpkins), a young missionary who believes he has been sent to save Charlie’s soul, and Mary (Samantha Morton), Charlie’s ex-wife, who brings further emotional complexity to the narrative. As Charlie’s health deteriorates, his desperate attempts at redemption become more urgent, leading to a heartbreaking climax that forces both him and Ellie to confront their emotions in a final, devastating moment.
Direction and Cinematography
Darren Aronofsky’s direction in The Whale is both restrained and deeply immersive. Unlike his more visually extravagant works (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan), Aronofsky employs a minimalistic approach here, allowing the performances and emotional weight of the story to take center stage. The film is shot almost entirely within Charlie’s apartment, reinforcing his physical and emotional confinement.
The cinematography by Matthew Libatique is intimate and haunting. The 4:3 aspect ratio emphasizes the claustrophobia of Charlie’s world, making the audience feel trapped alongside him. The dim lighting and muted color palette mirror Charlie’s depression and declining health, while close-up shots highlight the raw emotions on the actors’ faces, making the film feel painfully personal.
Themes and Symbolism
Isolation and Loneliness
Charlie’s physical and emotional isolation is a key theme in The Whale. He has shut himself off from the world, using food as both a comfort and a punishment. His refusal to seek medical help reflects his self-destructive tendencies and his deep-seated guilt over past mistakes.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Charlie’s attempts to reconnect with Ellie serve as his final plea for redemption. He sees Ellie as his last chance to leave something meaningful behind. The film raises questions about whether true redemption is possible and whether forgiveness can be earned or must be freely given.
The Search for Meaning
Throughout the film, characters struggle to find meaning in suffering. Charlie clings to the idea that Ellie is inherently good, despite her anger and cruelty. Meanwhile, Thomas believes in religious salvation, though his own past is filled with failures. The film explores different perspectives on what makes life meaningful, leaving much open to interpretation.
Moby-Dick as a Metaphor
Charlie’s obsession with an essay about Moby-Dick serves as a metaphor for his own self-loathing. Just as Ahab relentlessly pursues the whale, Charlie is consumed by his own guilt and grief, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Performances
Brendan Fraser as Charlie
Fraser delivers a career-defining performance, embodying Charlie with heartbreaking sincerity. His portrayal is deeply human, capturing Charlie’s warmth, pain, and desperation with incredible nuance. The physical transformation—enhanced by prosthetics and makeup—never overshadows the emotional depth of his performance. Fraser’s work in The Whale is one of the most powerful and moving performances of the year.
Sadie Sink as Ellie
Sink brings raw intensity to the role of Ellie, portraying her as both cruel and deeply wounded. While her character often lashes out at Charlie, Sink ensures that Ellie’s pain and vulnerability remain evident beneath her harsh exterior.
Hong Chau as Liz
Chau delivers a standout performance as Liz, Charlie’s friend and caregiver. Her frustration, love, and helplessness in the face of Charlie’s self-destruction are palpable. She serves as the emotional bridge between Charlie and the outside world, adding layers of depth to the film.
Supporting Cast
Samantha Morton and Ty Simpkins also deliver strong performances, each adding complexity to Charlie’s story. Morton, in her brief but powerful scene as Charlie’s ex-wife, reveals the history of their broken family, while Simpkins’ portrayal of Thomas offers a contrasting view on salvation and purpose.
Strengths
✅ Brendan Fraser’s Unforgettable Performance – Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie is deeply moving and deserves every accolade it has received.
✅ Emotional Depth – The film explores grief, redemption, and human connection with raw authenticity.
✅ Intimate Direction – Aronofsky’s restrained approach enhances the film’s emotional impact, making it a deeply personal experience.
✅ Compelling Supporting Performances – Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, and Samantha Morton all deliver powerful performances that elevate the story.
✅ Effective Use of a Single Location – The confined setting adds to the film’s claustrophobic and immersive atmosphere.
Weaknesses
❌ Overly Bleak Tone – The film’s heavy themes and unrelenting sadness may be overwhelming for some viewers.
❌ Stage Play Origins Are Apparent – While the film remains engaging, the limited setting and dialogue-driven storytelling might feel too theatrical for some.
❌ Ellie’s Character Can Feel One-Dimensional – While Sink’s performance is strong, Ellie’s relentless anger can make her character feel repetitive at times.
Historical and Cultural Impact
The Whale has sparked discussions about body image, self-destruction, and the portrayal of obesity in media. Some critics have debated whether the film’s depiction of Charlie is empathetic or exploitative, particularly regarding the use of prosthetics for Fraser’s transformation.
Nonetheless, the film’s emotional power and Fraser’s triumphant return to Hollywood have cemented its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year. It challenges audiences to confront their own biases and preconceptions about weight, grief, and personal redemption.
Conclusion
The Whale (2022) is an emotionally devastating yet profoundly moving film that showcases Brendan Fraser at his absolute best. Darren Aronofsky’s intimate direction, coupled with a deeply human story, makes this one of the most compelling dramas of the year. While its bleak tone and heavy subject matter may not be for everyone, those who connect with its themes will find it to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
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