The Whale

AroView: Darren Aronofsky directs Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-winning turn as a severely obese English teacher trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter.

Fraser’s performance is fully committed and heart-wrenching, and the usually provocative Aronofsky (Mother!, Requiem for a Dream) shows a kinder, gentler side that leans into the soulful humansim and sentiment of Samuel D. Hunter’s 2012 stageplay.

“What it boasts in abundance — in this riveting study of a deeply broken man, suffocated by nine years of self-immolation — is a rare and deep compassion, elevated by Fraser’s starring turn.” ~Jack King, The Playlist

“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.” ~David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter