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‘Whalefall’ movie review: Austin Abrams is a fiercely modern Jonah in this whale of a tale
Austin Abrams stars in the new film Whalefall, directed by Brian Duffield, which offers a fresh and intense take on the biblical narrative of Jonah and the whale. The story veers away from the whimsical interpretations often portrayed in Sunday school classrooms, presenting instead a gripping and almost uncomfortable realization of what it means to be engulfed by such a majestic creature. Based on Daniel Kraus’ eponymous 2023 novel, the film invites viewers to traverse the fine line between reality and surrealism as it delves into themes of grief, family, and the sheer power of nature.
Background of the Story
At the center of Whalefall is Jay Gardiner, portrayed by Abrams, who is depicted as a modern-day Jonah with a turbulent past. Jay’s complicated relationship with his father, Mitt (played by Josh Brolin), is crucial to understanding his character. Mitt, an esteemed diver, instilled in Jay a love for the ocean while simultaneously using aggressive and abusive methods that drove Jay away. As a result, he leaves his home to pursue education in Iowa, ultimately choosing to distance himself from a father who is sinking into a prolonged illness.
One year following Mitt’s death, Jay returns home to join his mother, Zara (Elisabeth Shue), and sisters, Eva (Jane Levy) and Nan (Emily Rudd), for what would mark the first anniversary of his father’s passing. The narrative grows darker as Mitt chose to end his life in the ocean rather than suffer from illness. In a tumultuous act of closure, Jay decides to dive in a desperate search for his father’s remains.
Key Developments in the Plot
The film’s action escalates when Jay’s dive takes an unexpected turn. Initially, everything appears to be going smoothly until a lethal squid interrupts his journey, leading to an unforeseen and perilous event: Jay is swallowed whole by a sperm whale. With only an hour of oxygen left, Jay’s immediate challenge becomes one of survival as he navigates the creature’s complex and daunting digestive system.
Whalefall subverts the conventional creature-feature narrative, where typically the act of being consumed marks the end for its unsuspecting prey. Instead, it dares to explore the implications of being swallowed, presenting the viewer with an unconventional “Innerspace” perspective. Inside the massive whale, Jay encounters not the hollowed cavern of his imagination but a visceral world filled with living tissue and organs. The depiction of the whale’s internal anatomy, including its formidable tongue and intimidating teeth, shakes preconceived notions of what being inside a creature of such colossal size would entail. The practical effects combined with eerie sound design grant the audience a palpable sense of being trapped within the belly of the beast.
Artistic and Thematic Exploration
While theorized flashbacks reveal Jay’s strained relationship with his father, they echo themes of guilt, familial expectation, and the quest for forgiveness. Utilizing a visually stunning palette of moody greys and icy blues, Duffield expertly crafts moments that evoke both the grandeur and terror of the ocean. A striking scene captures the whale surfacing, emphasizing the sheer scale of the creature against the small boat of whale watchers—a striking reminder of man’s insignificance in nature’s grandeur.
Through stunning visuals and a powerful narrative, Whalefall offers an exhilarating dive into the depths of the ocean, making an audacious statement about love, grief, and the complexities of human emotion. The film’s extraordinary cinematography and compelling execution create a cinematic experience that is both breathtaking and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
Whalefall challenges traditional storytelling, inviting its audience to experience the harrowing journey of survival and self-discovery. Currently screening in theaters, the film promises both an adrenaline rush and a deep emotional resonance, ensuring that audiences leave with a profound reflection on the connections we hold dear and the nature of love and loss.
