Reviews by:
@augustkellerwrites
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The Whale is emotional. Its pristine acting gives extreme vulnerability, chemistry, range, layers, outbursts, physicality, nonverbals, motivations, cathartic releases, and sincere humanity. Meanwhile, the ambitious script tackles passionate ideas in a limited space. Themes of change, health, shame, enabling, addiction, loneliness, honesty, denial, companionship, and trauma are covered bluntly but with raw compassion. Plus, the significant dialogue builds tension, drives the plot, creates parallels, and flows naturally. Furthermore, characters are challenging, arcs are earned, and the ending is interpretable. Some might find The Whale melodramatic but most will connect with its fearless heart.
Technically, The Whale slightly overcompensates with music and camerawork that could feel soapy or exploitative at times. It intends to heighten empathy but that's a thin line here. Still, most shouldn't mind. The visuals are cramped, drab, and divided. The music is grim and moody. The production design is unkempt and dingy. These aspects deepen the confined story and reflect internal conflicts. The editing has apt tempo, informative inserts, and surreal smash cuts. Its sound adds voiceovers, split cuts, echoes, and symbolic diegetics. Finally, the cast balances gravitas with humility and the prosthetics are transformative. Overall, The Whale has debatable flaws but undeniable emotions.
Writing: 9/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 8.3/10
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