TIFF 2022: The Whale Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

From The Mummy to Journey to the Centre of the Earth, to George of the Jungle: practically every film fan who grew up in the late 90s or the 2000s has a soft spot for Brenden Fraser. Looking at his filmography, he rarely engaged in “serious” work and doesn’t have the best track record in terms of quality, but he exudes charisma and brings so much passion to every role. After over a decade away from the spotlight, Fraser returns to the silver screen with by far his most challenging role to date, a performance that will likely revitalize his career and elevate his reputation as an actor. The Whale also represents somewhat of a comeback for director Darren Aronofsky, who’s last two films were shrouded with negative buzz and diminished how he is perceived within the industry.  

Based on the play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter, The Whale is a chamber piece centered around Charlie (Fraser), a 600-pound man attempting to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter Ellie (Sink) after leaving her and his wife for another man years prior. Aronofsky has never been one to shy away from exploring characters at their absolute lowest and most emotionally vulnerable. The film is certainly a tough watch and portrays its grueling subject matter in extreme detail, putting its characters through the ringer. However, what was most impressive is how empathetic and hopeful it is, despite its dark tone. Both Aronofsky and Hunter who adapted his play, ensure that the adaptation captures the intimacy of the stage show, by taking a minimalist approach.

The emphasis is placed on the actors, who all deliver career-best work. Chau’s stern and emotionally powerful turn as Charlie’s best friend and caregiver Liz is truly outstanding. Sink has been on the rise this past year due to her performances in Stranger Things and Taylor Swift’s All Too Well. Her performance as Ellie is in a different league, proving she is one of the greatest actresses of her generation. She delivers a fierce and complex performance that is absolutely one of the highlights of the film. However, the most impressive element of The Whale is Fraser’s brilliant comeback performance as what was quite possibly one of the most challenging roles we have ever seen. Fraser physically transforms into Charlie and portrays him with such humanity that is impossible not to connect with this character. It is a tour-de-force performance, the likes of which audiences have rarely seen.

In the end, The Whale is one of the best films 2022 has to offer, and represents a career high for both Aronofsky and Fraser. It’s a deeply human film that many will connect to on an emotional level.

still courtesy of Elevation Pictures

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Tristan French