Brendan Fraser delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in The Whale.
Brendan Fraser has received tons of praise and accolades for his performance in The Whale. He has already been awarded the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance. The Darren Aronofsky psychological drama also stars Hong Chau, who had a breakout performance in The Menu. Sadie Sink, Samantha Morton, and Ty Simpkins also star in the A24 film based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter.
Synopsis
A reclusive English teacher attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
Fraser delivers a transcendent and emotional performance as Charlie in this riveting movie. Your eyes are glued to the screen as you are blown away by the fantastic job of the FX people who pulled off the most amazing onscreen transformation. The film tackles a dark subject matter. Many will relate to the stress, anxiety, and impulses from which the 600lb man suffers.
My new favorite breakout star is Hong Chau. She is always amazing onscreen, delivering her A-game every time. I highly recommend The Menu if you have yet to see it. Her performance in The Whale is very complimentary to Fraser’s. Still, more than these two were needed to deliver a groundbreaking film. The rest of the cast is bland, and Sadie Sink plays an amplified version of her Stranger Things character. The film sits close to two hours and is slow as it takes place in a single location. Darren Aronofsky delivers a borderline melodrama that fails to capture any natural compassion for the lead character.
Verdict
I give The Whale 3.5 out of 5 stars. Fraser delivers a once-in-a-lifetime performance in a film that would not be anything without him. Catch it in theaters starting December 9th. Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.