Where Was ‘Whalefall’ Filmed? Exploring the Authentic California Coastal Locations
Hollywood has often turned to vast indoor water tanks or digital effects to tackle deep-water challenges. However, such artificial methods can strip away the genuine chill and unpredictable nature of maritime environments. For director Brian Duffield and his team, achieving authentic atmospheric gravity meant taking the cameras straight into the Pacific Ocean.
This commitment led the filmmakers to conduct principal photography entirely along the California coast, staying true to the geographic roots of the source material. Instead of relocating to higher-subsidy states like Louisiana, producers opted to film locally after the California Film Commission confirmed a $10.4 million tax credit for $48.7 million in local spending. This decision allowed ‘Whalefall‘ to film in the very waters and neighborhoods that inspired author Daniel Kraus when crafting his gripping survival novel.
The heart of the story unfolds along the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, where the lead character Jay Gardiner, portrayed by Austin Abrams, embarks on a quest to recover his father’s remains. Major staging areas were set up around Monastery Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a spot renowned among divers for its dangerous rip currents and sudden drops. Locally nicknamed “Mortuary Beach,” this volatile shoreline provided the eerie tension needed for Jay’s fateful journey.
Water units spent long days filming in Monterey Bay, using picture boats near the Monterey Coast Guard pier for open-water dives. Cinematographer Aaron Morton worked alongside specialized marine teams to capture the chilly grey waters and the undulating kelp forests that characterize Northern California diving. The natural weather patterns of Pacific Grove, with its rolling morning fog and windswept cliffs, added a layer of gloom to the maritime sequences.
In addition to the coastline, the crew filmed at various inland landmarks in Monterey to ground Jay’s domestic flashbacks with his father, played by Josh Brolin. Scenes depicting Jay’s youth and athletic background were shot on the grounds of Monterey High School. Furthermore, atmospheric exterior shots were captured among the dense pine forests of Jacks Peak County Park, providing stunning views of the rugged coastline.
Although the main narrative is set in Monterey, logistical needs for a large studio production required additional coastal shooting in Southern California. Crews established operations in San Pedro, utilizing industrial harbor facilities and maritime docks along Miner Street. A mid-century home designed by architect Cliff May in San Pedro also served as the Gardiner family residence.
To perform complex marine stunts safely without risking the cast in treacherous Monterey swells, the second unit traveled to Santa Catalina Island. The clear waters and manageable tidal currents around Catalina offered ideal conditions for underwater photography of high-risk diving stunts. These offshore days allowed the production team to seamlessly capture transitions between ocean surfaces and deep-water descents.
While the open sea shots depicted the external journey, recreating the interior of an 80-foot sperm whale required a massive soundstage effort. The production team set up at Radford Studio Center in Studio City, California, where practical fabricators built a claustrophobic 12-foot-tall, 18-foot-wide whale anatomy set. Collaborating with scientific consultants and creature artists from Wētā Workshop, they created textured chambers to simulate bile, muscle walls, and constrictive digestive pathways.
Working within the compact, slime-covered set pushed the cast and crew to their limits over a demanding 62-day production schedule. Brian Duffield highlighted the crew’s dedication in capturing the harrowing experience, stating that “Every crew member said that it was the hardest thing they’ve ever done,” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. This painstaking blend of practical effects and genuine California locations ensures that ‘Whalefall’ feels like a true, unflinching battle for survival.
Do you think filming ‘Whalefall’ in real California waters enhances the terror, or would digital sets have sufficed?