'The Whale' Is As Unpleasant To Watch As It Is Remarkable
Huff PostBrendan Fraser as Charlie, a depressed, 600-pound teacher, in "The Whale." Courtesy of A24 Not a whole lot of people are going to really enjoy “The Whale.” Director Darren Aronofsky’s new drama is the kind that leans into relentless agony, demoralization, rage — and mostly within the confines of a single living room, the space where we watch a 600-pound teacher deteriorate emotionally and physically. But the audience sees Charlie, and obviously he’s well aware of what he looks like, even if he never once glances in the mirror. In later exchanges, it’s also revealed that Charlie left his wife Mary and daughter Ellie to be with that love of his life. Then there’s the idea of redemption through religious faith, which comes in the form of a duplicitous door-to-door Bible thumper named Thomas who becomes an increasingly nagging presence for Charlie.
History of this topic
The Whale review: A searing drama with a heartrending Brendan Fraser
Live Mint
The Whale movie review: Brendan Fraser comeback is grossly manipulative to an effective degree
The Independent
The Whale movie review: Masterful, moving performances by Brendan Fraser and Hong Chau clash with an overdone story
Hindustan TimesThe Whale is being lauded as Brendan Fraser's comeback, but even his Oscar-nominated performance can't evade its flaws
ABC
The ‘cathartic release’ of ‘The Whale’ explained by the play’s actors and directors
LA Times
The Whale director Darren Aronofsky says fatphobia criticisms ‘make no sense’
The Independent
Review: Does Brendan Fraser give a great performance in ‘The Whale’? It’s complicated.
LA Times
The Whale: First look at Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink as trailer is released
The IndependentDiscover Related
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