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“The Whale” is an emotionally riveting film that sees the triumphant comeback of Brendan Fraser in an award-winning role. Fraser stars in his most challenging role as an obese hermit who longs to rekindle his relationship with his daughter.
This critically-acclaimed film takes audiences on an intricate yet enthralling viewing experience.
Table of Contents
What Is The Whale About?
“The Whale” is a psychological drama based on a play of the same name written by Samuel D. Hunter. “The Whale” follows an obese and reclusive teacher named Charlie who seeks to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter Ellie.
Years prior, Charlie fell into a depressive rut after the death of his lover, causing him to spiral and rely on an unhealthy diet. After years of binge eating, Charlie contacts his daughter Ellie in hopes of reestablishing their bond and as a last-ditch effort to redeem himself.
“The Whale” premiered at the 79th Venice Film Festival on September 4, 2022. The film hit theaters on December 9, 2022. “The Whale” delivers a heartwarming story within a 117-minute runtime.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of The Whale?
Acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky helmed the film while playwright Samuel D. Hunter wrote the screenplay. Protozoa Pictures, on the other hand, produced the film. Meanwhile, A24 handled the distribution. The cast of “The Whale” includes a mix of talented veteran and young actors like:
- Brendan Fraser as Charlie
- Sadie Sink as Ellie
- Hong Chau as Liz
- Ty Simpkins as Thomas
- Samantha Morton as Mary
- Sathya Sridharan as Dan
What is the Rating for The Whale?
“The Whale” is rated 14A in Canada, which means adults must accompany viewers younger than age 14. “The Whale” has a generally depressing tone which may be disturbing, if not triggering, for some. It contains mature subject matter about mental health, including crass and suggestive humor. There is also one scene that has implied sexual content.
How Many People Watch The Whale?
“The Whale” is a commercial success, earning $17.5 million in the US and Canada. It earned $54.3 million at the global box office.
How Are the Reviews for The Whale?
Critics are split on the film’s story but agree on the incredible talent portrayed by its cast. Critics applauded the acting of Fraser, Chau, and Sink while criticizing the film’s portrayal of obese individuals. “The Whale” has a 64% score on RottenTomatoes, with a 60% score on Metacritic, and IMDb gave it a 7.7 rating. Click here and find out what made “The Whale” so impactful.
- “The intense chamber drama never disguises its stage roots but transcends them with the grace and compassion of the writing and the layers of pain and despair, love and dogged hope peeled back in the central performance. Fraser makes us see beyond the alarming appearance to the deeply affecting heart of this broken man.” – David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter
- “Brendan Fraser is on the march to Oscar. That’s how astonishing his acting is as a morbidly obese recluse in this deeply moving character study. Accusations that wearing a fatsuit diminishes his tour de force performances are nonsense. This is essential viewing.” – Peter Travers of ABC News
Where to Watch The Whale in Canada?
Get your tissues ready and where you can watch “The Whale.”
Is The Whale Available on Streaming?
“The Whale” has yet to hit streaming services, so you need to stick to VOD services.
Is The Whale Available for Rent (VOD)?
Darren Aronofsky’s latest tearjerker is available on several VOD platforms. Keep in mind that rented films are only available for a limited time. Rented movies are often subject to a 30-day and 48-hour availability period.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Amazon Prime Video | CAD$4.99 | CAD$17.99 |
| iTunes | CAD$6.99 | CAD$17.99 |
| Google Play Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$17.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$17.99 |
| Cineplex Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$19.99 |
| VUDU | CAD$6.72 | CAD$26.93 |
Is The Whale Available on Cable or Free TV?
“The Whale” isn’t airing on free or cable TV right now, but you can purchase Blu-ray or DVD copies of the film online.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch The Whale?
You won’t need a VPN to stream “The Whale” on the mentioned VOD services, except for VUDU. You will only need a VPN to access VUDU’s library of films and TV shows.
The Whale Will Turn On The Waterworks
“The Whale” is a touching film guaranteed to make viewers bawl. Brendan Fraser gave the performance of a lifetime as a man who aims to reconnect with his daughter. Don’t miss Darren Aronofsky’s most emotional film yet on VOD or home media.
