Looking for a drama that packs an emotional punch? Give The Whale a try. The 2022 movie tackles grief, isolation, and the yearning for connection all with poignant depth. But where exactly can you catch this emotional rollercoaster online? In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the film, including where and how you can watch it in the comfort of your own home.
Where to watch The Whale online
In the United States, as of January 2024, The Whale is available to stream on FuboTV, Paramount+, Showtime, Paramount+ channel on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video with Paramount+, and Hoopla.
Can I stream The Whale on Roku?
Yes, you can also stream The Whale on Roku, and there are a couple of ways to do that depending on your subscription options and budget:
Free with subscriptions
- The Roku Channel: You can watch The Whale for free with ads on The Roku Channel if you have a Roku device.
Paid subscriptions
- Paramount+: The Whale is included with a Paramount Plus subscription. Additionally, if you have the “Paramount+ with Showtime” plan, you can access it through the Showtime app on Roku.
- Showtime: If you have a standalone Showtime subscription, you can watch The Whale through the SHOWTIME app on Roku.
Is The Whale available for rent?
Yes, The Whale is available for rent ($4.99-$5.99) and purchase ($19.99) through several digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Microsoft, Google Play, YouTube, and DirecTV, among many others.
What is the movie The Whale about?
Based on Samuel D. Hunter’s 2012 play of the same name, The Whale is a complex and moving drama that explores themes of grief, isolation, and redemption. Here’s a breakdown of the film’s key elements:
Central Character: Charlie, a reclusive English teacher with severe obesity, hides away from the world in his apartment. The loss of his lover haunts him and struggles to come to terms with his grief and eating disorder.
Relationships: Charlie attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Ellie, whom he abandoned eight years ago. Their interactions are strained and painful as both grapple with the fallout of his past choices.
Overall Tone: The Whale is a poignant and emotionally charged film, but it also contains moments of humor and tenderness. It’s a character-driven story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles we face in dealing with pain and loss.
The Whale cast and crew
Main cast
- Brendan Fraser as Charlie: A reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter.
- Sadie Sink as Ellie: Charlie’s teenage daughter who grapples with her father’s abandonment and her own emotional turmoil.
- Hong Chau as Liz: Charlie’s cynical best friend and caregiver who provides him with tough love and support.
- Ty Simpkins as Thomas: A young missionary who befriends Charlie and Ellie, offering them a glimmer of hope and faith.
- Samantha Morton as Mary: Charlie’s estranged wife and Ellie’s mother, haunted by past choices and the pain of their family’s breakdown.
Crew
- Director: Darren Aronofsky, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream.
- Writer: Samuel D. Hunter, who adapted his own play of the same name for the screen.
- Cinematographer: Matthew Libatique, a frequent collaborator with Aronofsky who has also worked on films like Birdman and Straight Outta Compton.
- Composer: Rob Simonsen, whose score contributes to the film’s melancholic and poignant atmosphere.
Is The Whale worth watching?
Whether The Whale is worth watching depends on your preferences and sensitivity to certain themes. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Reasons to watch:
- Brendan Fraser’s performance: Critics universally praise Fraser’s transformative portrayal of Charlie, highlighting his emotional depth and vulnerability. This is a career-defining role for him.
- Powerful storytelling: As mentioned above, the film tackles weighty themes of grief, isolation, and redemption with complexity and nuance. It’s a compelling character study that explores the struggles of human connection and self-forgiveness.
- Technical expertise: Darren Aronofsky’s direction is masterful, crafting a visually immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The minimalist set design and poignant score perfectly complement the film’s tone.
Reasons to hesitate:
- Heavy subject matter: The film deals with sensitive topics like obesity, grief, and suicidal ideation. It can be emotionally draining and challenging to watch, especially for viewers who have personal experiences with these issues.
- Slow pacing: The film takes its time developing the characters and exploring the themes. Some viewers might find it slow-moving or lacking in action.
- Critical controversy: While largely praised, some critics find the film overly manipulative and melodramatic. It’s not for everyone, and you might not resonate with its approach.
The Whale trailer
Thinking of giving The Whale a try? You can watch the official trailer for the movie below:
