The Whale — Brendan Fraser Shines in a Heartfelt and Thought-Provoking Exploration of Grief, Religion, and Self-Destruction

Aabis Ali
2 min readMar 7, 2023

The Whale (2022)

The Whale” is a deeply moving film that tells the story of a chronically obese man named Charlie, played by Brendan Fraser, who is grappling with the emotional and physical challenges of his condition. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky and is based on a play by Samuel D. Hunter.

The film has received critical acclaim for its remarkable performances, particularly from Brendan Fraser, who has received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Charlie. Fraser’s performance is remarkable and he is praised for his ability to convey the emotional depth of Charlie’s character with great sensitivity.

The film also explores themes of religion, sexuality, and the fallibility of the human condition through Charlie’s experiences. It delves into the destructive power of religion and how it can affect people’s lives, as Charlie’s character is a former missionary who struggles with his faith.

Although the film is difficult to watch at times, it has been commended for its moments of tenderness and beauty. The relationship between Charlie and his estranged daughter, Ellie, played by Sadie Sink, is particularly poignant, as they attempt to reconcile before Charlie’s death.

In conclusion, The Whale is a powerful and emotionally charged film that is sure to resonate with audiences. The film explores complex themes with great sensitivity and features remarkable performances from its cast, particularly Brendan Fraser. While it may be difficult to watch at times, it is ultimately a moving and thought-provoking work of cinema.

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Aabis Ali
Aabis Ali

Written by Aabis Ali

Pop Culture and Technology Enthusiast/ Journalist

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