The Whale is a new film from Darren Aronofsky, the great director who has given has masterpieces like Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan. He has always been someone who is interested to explore the human psyche or how humans resort to self destruction because of their insecurities or addictions. His films have also given us some of the most wonderful performances which have led to many actors getting nominated and winning Academy Awards. I’ve always respected him as a filmmaker and whatever he does will be something I’d want to see. When I heard that he is collaborating with Brendan Fraser, who I had last seen and loved in The Mummy, I was excited. Ever since the trailer came out I was dying to see the film and I wanted to include this film in my list of Best Films of 2022.
Unfortunately, the film got a very late release date in India. I had to experience FOMO when everyone else kept praising this film. I was bracing myself all day long before I stepped into the theatre to experience this drama. I knew it would be hard hitting and emotionally draining and boy was I right. It has been a while that a movie has made me cry so much. I connected to it on such deep level. It was extremely relatable for a person who is also obese. I’ve loved Brenda Fraser and I love him even more now. Let’s talk about this truly amazing film.
The Whale Review – Best Film of 2022?
Rating – ★★★★★
From the very first shot of the film, you know that this film is not kidding around. Fraser’s voice from the very first line is so soothing and powerful. I had a decent idea of what the premise of the film was but I didn’t know that Fraser’s character was gay. The way the film opens with Charlie played by Fraser and we see he is watching gay porn, as he climaxes, he experiences chest pain and he starts wheezing. At the same time we feel disgust, empathy and threat. The make-up done is amazing. I’m not going to talk about Fraser’s performance.
The reason for that is very simply because it is too good to sully it with my unpolished and messy words. His performance is raw, calming, emotionally revolting, physically challenging and basically the entire film stands and works because of him. Not that the script is bad but this film needed such a massive dedication from an actor and Fraser came through. I love how the film peels off so many layers of complexities of Charlie. Despite all his flaws and past mistakes I fell in love with this character because you should care about him.
From the start it is clear that Charlie is going to die, he is on a crusade to finish himself because life has hurt himself so much. He has taken eating as his poison. The whale metaphor used in the film in reference to Moby Dick was used very well in the film. Sadie Sink’s performance and character while complexed is quite often a hit and miss. Apart from her I would say, everyone was outstanding. Hong Chau’s performance is so good and her relationship with Charlie is the most heartwarming thing I’ve seen.
Samantha Morton plays the ex-wife of Charlie and in the very limited screen time she had, she did so much. I love how she is not shown the bitchy ex-wife. Everyone cares about Charlie or at least feel sorry for him because of how life has treated him but Charlie himself has given up on life despite having a positive outlook on it. I love how they’ve shown Charlie’s insecurity about his weight in small moments because it is not part about the film’s main plot but it is definitely addressed and in the most human ways.
Ty Simpkins is also good in the film, but I don’t quite get why he was there. I know how they’ve woven in him into the plot but he still feels like piece in the puzzle that doesn’t fit. The entire film is also a commentary on religion and how it can ruin someone’s life which I believe is important to address. The little flaws that I can see in the film are ignorable because the film connects to you on a human level and that’s what matters. The emotional connection I found with the film is very rare and I don’t think another film will be able to do that.
The ending of the film is so heartwarming and wholesome. Almost perfect despite being tragic. There are some reveals here and there in the film which just makes the entire film more tragic. The 4:3 aspect ratio of the film also works better and makes it more personal. I love 4:3 and the film greatly benefits from it. I’m amazed by how there are some jokes sprinkled in the film. The last 30-45 minutes I was continuously crying as tears were just rolling down. I was crying in anticipation of the end and also the current scene that was playing on-screen. This is the one of the rare films which didn’t want to analyze or review after watching it.
Verdict
Despite being a play, The Whale is adapted very well for screen which makes it so much interesting. I urge all of you to go watch this film. It already has limited shows and I think we need to support such films. Thankfully, the film was made on a budget of $3 Million and it has already earned close to $16 Million. I don’t how the Academy can give this year’s Best Actor award to anyone else than Brendan Fraser. The man has given the performance of his life. I know Austin Butler was amazing in Elvis but Fraser deserves it.
If I’d seen this film earlier, I would’ve added it in the Best Movies list and it would definitely be one of the Top 3 if not the best film of the year. This is an extremely impactful and effective drama about a self-destructive man who is on a crusade to kill himself to get rid of his pain but also reconnect with his daughter. The film also acts a commentary on a many issues that exists in our society but it is smart enough to not lecture us about it. I’d undoubtedly rate the film 5 out of 5 stars. If you have time please watch it before it leaves theatres.
