Feb 9, 20232 min read

FILM REVIEW: THE WHALE (15) ESP RATING: 4/5

Somebody give this man an Oscar!

Brendan Fraser absolutely owns every scene in acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky's latest film.

The Whale focuses around Charlie, a reclusive divorcee suffering from severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter (Stranger Things starlet Sadie Sink) – for one last chance at redemption.

And in a ‘bounce’ reminiscent of Matthew McConaughey’s turn from rom-com stereotype to acting legend – known as the ‘The McConaissance’ – which saw him snag an Oscar for Dallas Buyers’ Club, Fraser’s career has now taken a similar path.

If someone was to tell me the star of The Mummy and George of the Jungle would carve out such a powerfully raw performance that I’d be sobbing away in the cinema, I would have been sceptical. The actor could not be more worthy of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor – and if I were a betting man, I’d put money on him taking that trophy home.

The Whale could so easily have been an embarrassment. Fraser's 330-pound ‘fat suit’ would have been distracting had it not looked so flawless. And his performance may have been unintentionally comical if it were not for such a stellar performance from the lead – which I truly believe many actors couldn’t have pulled off.

The supporting cast also need to be furnished with praise for making an incredible impact too. Everyone on-screen and behind-the-scenes clearly put their heart and souls into this production – helmed by the man behind the Oscar-nominated Black Swan.

The Whale is adapted from a 2012 play of the same name and very much emits ‘stage vibes’ – with it being almost entirely set in one location.

Like with a stage production, this is also character-driven. And whether or not you enjoy a trip to the theatre will likely determine if this movie is for you or not.

It’s a slow burner, but has a huge heart – and I was captivated throughout.

ESP Rating: 4/5

Mikey Clarke