The Whale (2022)

"The Whale" explores the psychological and physical hardships encountered by the morbidly obese, while also shedding light on the social stigma and discrimination they often face.

It raises the question - in a world where remote work and virtual communication replace face-to-face interactions, does physical appearance still matter?

The casting of Brendan Fraser in this movie is intriguing. For the role, Fraser had to don a fat suit. At first glance, this might seem unusual - casting a slim man to play an obese character, especially when the film directly addresses the discrimination faced by obese individuals.

However, if you've seen Fraser's Oscar acceptance speech, you might arrive at a different conclusion. Fraser underwent multiple surgeries after performing several physically demanding stunts in "The Mummy". During this challenging time, he experienced personal loss and professional isolation, including a divorce, the death of his mother, and a hiatus from acting. These experiences were compounded by his claim of sexual assault against the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which led to his feeling ostracized by Hollywood.

While I would have preferred if an actual morbidly obese actor had been cast for this role, there is no denying that Fraser's casting was a remarkable choice.



You should not watch The Whale (2022) if...

• You are below the age of 18. This movie contains explicit content which may not be suitable for young audiences.
• You are uncomfortable with themes of body shaming and unhealthy eating habits.
• You are sensitive to scenes involving self-harm and depression.
• You are not fond of tragic dramas, as this movie has a very heavy storyline.
• You have a hard time watching movies that have slow plot development.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with the title, "The Whale"? A movie, whose entire point, is to highlight the social stigma of being fat, and they call it "The Whale"? Dude! Really?

And let's discuss the setting. The protagonist spends the majority of the film in a run-down Idaho apartment. I've seen less depressing scenes in a Kafka novel. It's like Grey Gardens meets Hoarders, with a dash of The Shining for good measure.

And the plot? Our hero is trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. I mean, come on! I get that losing weight is hard. But that is at least possible.

People who loved this movie also loved...
The Elephant Man (1980):

If you loved "The Whale," you might enjoy "The Elephant Man." Similar to "The Whale's" exploration of human identity and acceptance, this movie delves deeply into these themes in a poignant and meaningful way. It's directed by David Lynch, so you can expect a film that is as beautifully shot as it is emotionally compelling. The movie is hailed for its brilliant performances and thoughtful storytelling, which leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

Rain Man (1988):

Another film that might speak to you is "Rain Man." It explores the theme of understanding and accepting difference in a powerful narrative about two brothers. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, the film is recognized for its tremendous performances and the delicate handling of its subject matter, which led it to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988):

As a fan of "The Whale", you may also enjoy "Gorillas in the Mist". This is a true-story movie like "The Whale." The film is about the life of Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. The film offers a critical look into the dark side of human interaction with wildlife, a theme that resonates with "The Whale."

Awakenings (1990):

"Awakenings" is another movie you might appreciate. This film, starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, tackles themes of humanity and personal transformation. The performances by Williams and De Niro are universally praised, and the movie's exploration of illness and recovery might resonate with you as a fan of "The Whale."

Grizzly Man (2005):

A final recommendation would be "Grizzly Man". This unique film from director Werner Herzog tells the life and tragic death of Timothy Treadwell, who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska for 13 summers. Much like "The Whale," "Grizzly Man" looks at the boundary between human society and the natural world, and the impact this boundary can have on personal identity.

Like this? Then click here to see more drama movies