IR Film Review: WHALEFALL [20th Century Studios]

The interesting element of "Whalefall", as shown by the trailers, is can that function of the story sustain for a feature length film? The truth is it can using specific structural character points that make a lot of sense even if the actual physical aspect within the whale requires more than a little suspension of disbelief. The story centers around Jay (Austin Abrams -- who also just started in "Resident Evil"). His character comes back home after his father Mitt (Josh Brolin), an older sea dog, succumbs to cancer. Mitt, in a way, gave himself back to the sea and searching for his remains is what puts Jay going back into the ocean in motion. Where they live in Monterey, specifically one beach he goes out on, is near a deep crevice/drop-off. It is a place of "no rescue" it says and there seemed to be already something afoot before Jay even goes out there but we never get a sense of what "that" was. Like Moby Dick or Jonah, Jay gets in the way of nature and ends up swallowed by the whale with less than an hour and a half of oxygen to solve his problem of being eaten.

The progression and problem solving that Jay goes through works well though in the novel this is based on (like "The Martian") it is likely going on inside of his head. As a result the cinematic telling becomes a little more external (like talking to himself) but the character also has to do it with a regulator in his mouth. In that way, there are many things to overcome here. The set up takes it just so far and the aspect that a sperm whale might stay close that to shore for an extended period (even an hour) strains credibility. However when the film enters the third act, it gets a little more interesting but also esoteric. It literally takes one into the abyss but the way it is visually shown and represented is very cool though the physics of Jay actually surviving this are a bit much. Brolin, in the flashbacks, especially holding his newborn son, does anchor the story because there is that sense of loss that Jay has to come to terms with. The eventual resolution makes metaphorical sense and the resolution of it all fits well, like it likely did in the book as well. It is just a bit much to handle…a whale of a tale if you will. That said you do feel the strain of these men who are surrounded by women and must come to terms with their own shortcomings (though the women never pressured them to). The fact that Jane Levy, Emily Rudd and Elizabeth Shue play the surrounding family for these two men is great casting though they all don’t have much to do (Jane is in “River” though early next year). "Whalefall" is effective if a little overplayed and yet it is an interesting cinematic experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. 86%/B

By Tim Wassberg