Underwater Thriller 'Whalefall' Stages Survival Inside a Sperm Whale
The film follows a young diver trapped inside a whale as he attempts to escape, but critics say the execution falls short of its ambitious premise.
A diver searching for his deceased father's body becomes trapped inside a sperm whale after a giant squid drags him into the creature's mouth, according to the new thriller Whalefall. The protagonist, Jay Gardiner, must navigate the whale's glowing digestive chambers to avoid being drawn into the acidic stomach.
Director Brian Duffield adapts Daniel Kraus's 2023 novel, focusing on Jay's struggle for survival and the strained relationship with his father, portrayed by Josh Brolin. The film intersperses flashbacks that explore the father-son dynamic while Jay attempts to use a swallowed jellyfish for light.
Critics note that the movie’s visual effects are modest and that the pacing relies heavily on claustrophobic set pieces. They also point out that the narrative emphasizes the protagonist’s isolation, offering limited dialogue and relying on frantic vocalizations.
"The film attempts to blend a survival story with an ecological concept of a whale carcass supporting marine life, but the execution has been described as uneven and unintentionally comedic."
Overall, reviewers suggest that while the premise holds potential, the final product may not meet audience expectations for a compelling underwater thriller.