What to know
The Whale is a psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky. Often considered a master of the surreal, Aronofsky trades the scale of previous productions like mother! for a more intimate and stripped-back cinematic experience. The film takes place in a single location and is predominantly naturalistic marking quite the change for the director. In another first for him, The Whale is an adaptation of a play. Both stage and screenplay were written by McArthur Genius, Samuel D. Hunter. The story has been under consideration for adaptation since the director first saw the play live in 2012. Working behind the camera is long-time and trusted cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
Starring in the lead role is Brendan Fraser, who was the perfect pick for the lead, Charlie. Darren Aronofsky suggested that he waited to find the right actor to play the role and eventually landed on Fraser as the person. Opposite him is Hong Chau, known for her work in Downsizing, playing Liz, a nurse and best friend to Charlie. His estranged daughter, Ellie is played by Sadie Sink while Samantha Morton plays his ex-wife Mary. Sathya Sridharan is Dan, the pizza delivery worker and Ty Simpkins of Insidious fame is a religious missionary named Thomas. The Whale was released in cinemas on December 9th, 2022.
