The Whale

Charlie, a morose English teacher, is slowly killing himself. Liz, his dead partner's sister, supports him with daily visits while knowing she cannot redeem him.

"The Whale" reeks of humanity and raises complex social issues, though there's perhaps too much focus on the physical attributes of the protagonist. The prosthetics are excellent but distracting, the man's body at any size cannot hold his self-loathing, shame, and grief. His emotional state cries for comfort - he wants to be seen while paradoxically being forced to hide. The set design highlights the production's taken-from-play origins and provides a necessary claustrophobic feel. Making waves.

Limited Release 2nd February 2023
Madman Entertainment 117 mins