‘Whalefall’ Review: A Unique Blend of Survival Thriller and Emotional Journey

‘Whalefall‘ may initially sound like a concept that would be dismissed, but it has sparked significant interest, leading to a bidding war. Directed by Brian Duffield and co-written by Daniel Kraus, the film is set to hit theaters on October 16, released by 20th Century Studios. The premise is intriguing: a scuba diver is swallowed by a sperm whale and must navigate his way out.

Austin Abrams stars as Jay Gardiner, a young man diving into the ocean in search of his father Mitt, portrayed by Josh Brolin. Mitt, who is terminally ill, chooses to walk into the sea on his own terms. Jay’s mother, played by Elisabeth Shue, and his sisters, Jane Levy and Emily Rudd, are left without closure, prompting Jay to seek out a body for burial.

The film unfolds in two distinct halves that revolve around a singular theme. The first half is a gripping survival thriller, while the second delves into the unresolved relationship between father and son. The survival aspect captivated me, as Duffield presents the whale’s stomach as a living, hostile environment filled with muscle, acid, and slime. The presence of a giant squid adds to the tension.

The production team even constructed a full-scale whale stomach for Abrams to navigate, resulting in a visually immersive experience. Each wet surface he crawls across feels tangible, making it one of the most claustrophobic creature features in recent memory. Those prone to claustrophobia might want to choose a seat near the aisle.

Abrams is the linchpin of the film, spending most of his time alone with minimal dialogue. He effectively conveys panic, exhaustion, and determination through his physicality and breath. Following roles in ‘Resident Evil’ and ‘Weapons’, he has established himself as an actor capable of portraying suffering convincingly, and here he excels.

The technical aspects of the film are equally commendable. Cinematographer Aaron Morton focuses on close-ups of faces, while Pietro Scalia’s editing creates a frantic, intimate pace. The sound design enhances the experience, transforming every gurgle and squelch into a palpable threat.

However, my frustrations arise when the narrative shifts away from the whale. The flashbacks between Jay and Mitt are well-acted, with Brolin’s performance deepening as Jay’s perception of his father evolves. Yet, these moments often feel overly explicit, interrupting the momentum built during the whale scenes. I wished the film would trust its metaphor more, allowing the imagery of a man trapped in something he cannot digest to speak for itself.

Despite this, I left the theater feeling impressed and slightly queasy, which seems fitting. ‘Whalefall’ is grotesque, tense, sincere, and surprisingly moving, even when it leans heavily into its emotional themes. I rate it 8 out of 10.

Did the father-son dynamic resonate with you as much as the survival thriller aspect? Or would you have preferred to remain inside the whale throughout? Share your thoughts in the comments!