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I took time off work last week and used my PTO for a week long “staycation”. I took the opportunity to watch a few movies that I had been wanting to see. One of the films I watched was “The Whale” with Brendan Fraser. “The Whale” was critically acclaimed and earned several nominations for prestigious awards. Brendan Fraser won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Lead Role in 2023.

SPOILER ALERT

“The Whale” is about an ill, morbidly obese man named Charlie who wants to make amends with his teen aged daughter Ellie before he passes away. Charlie abandoned his family for a relationship with a man when Ellie was little. Charlie’s ex wife Mary played by Samantha Morton kept Charlie from having a relationship with Ellie for reasons that are unclear. She said she was trying to protect Charlie from what a terrible person Ellie is.

Ellie is indeed terrible. She has abandonment issues but her personality is over the top and very mean. Her father still sees her as an innocent little girl despite her disrespect, lack of gratitude and cruelty towards him.

“The Whale” was very dark and angry. There was a lot of yelling in this film that became a bit tiring. There are no redeemable characters in this film. I didn’t feel sorry for Ellie because she was such a manipulative liar.

Charlie had a charming personality but he abandoned his family. He claimed Mary wouldn’t let him see Ellie. Charlie was educated, had a responsible job despite his condition and had financial resources. I feel like he could have fought for joint custody or at least visitation with his daughter. This film takes place in Idaho. I supposed living in a conservative state may have played a part in why he didn’t take the matter to court. Family court decisions were not mentioned in “The Whale”.

Charlie is tragic because his partner that he left his wife for died. The film doesn’t offer details about his death. Charlie was a bit heavy while he was married but he became a compulsive over eater while mourning his partner’s death.

Charlie had a friend named Liz that visited him. Their terms of their relationship were not well defined. She seemed like she may be a home health aid that was paid for by the state or health insurance. She took care of Charlie and was protective of him. It seems like she fell in love with him a bit. Charlie was caring and generous towards Liz in return.

There was a young, mysterious door to door missionary in “The Whale” named Thomas. His character didn’t serve much of a purpose aside from showing how horrible Ellie was. Ironically Ellie’s conniving ways lead to a resolution of a conflict for the “missionary”.

“The Whale” was well made and had good performances but it was very sad and uncomfortable to watch. I suppose that’s the point but I think you need to be in the right mood and head space for that. I can’t really recommend it.