The Whale (2022) Dir: Darren Aronofsky
Instagram post:
This Darren Aronofsky directed film, based on the stageplay of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter and distributed by acclaimed indie filmmakers A24, seems to evoke very strong feelings from its audience, either distinctly positive, or distinctly negative. I for one, was decidedly placed on the positive side.
As you can expect from an Aronofsky film, this is a psychological drama filled with melancholic themes and deeply emotional moments. This melocrama is one of the key reasons for criticism I've read online about the film, which, if I'm honest, I found baffling.
The sadness and desperation of the characters is what makes the story work so well. Yes, the religious undertones do get to be a little much, but they still work with the developments at play, for the most part.
Furthermore, I believe the acting performances raise the quality of this from being a good film, to a great film. There is a reason it has been nominated for 3 Oscars, including Best Actor In A Leading Role and Best Supporting Actress, as well as 4 Baftas. It works.
The best thing about this film, without a doubt, is that it has triggered a career renaissance of sorts for popular actor Brendan Fraser, and you'd be hard put to find a man more deserving in the industry today. His performance is truly something to behold.
His commitment to the role, and execution thereof, is phenomenal. It has only made me adore him more. His on-screen chemistry with his co-stars is testament to his undeniable acting pedigree.
Sadie Sink continues to go from strength to strength, and, in my view, benefits from this feature film setting, in which she can truly flourish. She may only have a supporting role, but I found her to be fiery and committed.
In another of the supporting roles, Hong Chau provides what is legitimately one of the best supporting performances I've seen for a long time, and completely justifies her subsequent Oscar nomination. I was so moved by her display of emotions and the way in which she interacted with Fraser in particular.
Ty Simpkins is unlucky in that he has to contend with three legitimately superb acting performances. However, he is certainly still commendable, though in a far more understated way.
Samantha Morton has a very small role compared to her aforementioned counterparts, but uses her character's emotional story to provide an intense performance worthy of note.
I will also give very quick mentions to Sathya Sridharan and Jacey Sink, who both had very minor roles, but deserved a mention for their appearances.
Overall, while this has been called a masterpiece and a disappointment, it is in fact neither. It has some wonderful positives and irritable negatives. But, for me, it ultimately is a very well performed story with a lot of emotion put into it, both written and not so.
Comments