After a long line of films debated left and right that culminated in the biblical allegory mother! in 2017, Darren Aronofsky could only return with another controversial film. Adapted from a play by Samuel D. Hunter, who also signed the screenplay, The Whale tells the story of a man suffering from morbid obesity who, in the last days of his life, is trying to get closer to his estranged daughter. What Aronofsky described as a „ empathy exercise ”, however, divided the Internet: in a camp those who criticized his simplicity and lack of subtext (what Aronofsky film was not on the nose?), and in the other those who were blinded by acting performances. The only thing everyone seemed to agree on was Brendan Fraser's comeback – the Brenaissance –, also awarded Oscar for this first lead role in more than ten years.
Charlie ( Fraser ) is a literature teacher in Idaho. He teaches online courses and, due to insecurity about how he looks, refuses to open his webcam when talking to his students. He rarely leaves his couch in the middle of the living room, and his only connection to the outside world is Liz (an amazing Hong Chau), his nurse and best friend. She is also the voice of reason in the film, which urges Charlie to go to the hospital: his blood pressure is so high that he probably only has a week to live. He flatly refuses, claiming that he has no insurance and cannot afford treatment. Instead, he calls his daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink, from Stranger Things), a misanthropic teenager she hasn't seen since she was eight – wants to be forgiven for leaving her and her mother to be with her boyfriend. Thomas (Ty Simpkins), a young missionary from New Life Church, also appears on the scene, making a real goal of converting Charlie.
What Thomas doesn't know, but is about to find out soon, thanks to Ellie, is that his conservative ideas are responsible for Charlie's condition.
The Whale does not hide its theatrical origins: the whole action takes place in the apartment and on its terrace. But unlike other recent plays based on plays, such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom or One Night in Miami ..., it doesn't feel stagey; it is visually inventive enough not to become repetitive and suffocating for no reason. The room often surrounds Charlie, who, glued to the couch, is the sun of his own universe. And Fraser is excellent in the role of the man full of regrets who gave up having expectations of life. The contrast between his imposing physique and joking character is captivating; his eyes are a mirror for the tortured soul and he manages to be subtle even in spite of the 135 kilograms of prosthesis. It keeps you glued to the screen even when some endless lines make you roll your eyes.
An imperfect film about imperfect lives, The Whale comes a simple question: can we save each other? And despite some impediments, Aronofsky manages to find an answer.