The Whale

Heralded as Brendan Fraser’s magnificent return to cinema, this is probably one of the films I’m quietly excited for, despite not being too fussed for the potential plot. What can I say? Occasionally I’ll follow actors and what they do rather than studios or films. I’m unashamedly drawn into this for Brendan Fraser. Not only is the man incredibly wholesome, but he’s also pretty good at what he does. I loved The Mummy films, and have incredibly fond memories of watching them with friends, so to see him enjoying a very triumphant return, with film festivals praising The Whale already, brings nothing but a smile to my face. He deserves it!

Onto the actual film: from the trailer alone, The Whale looks as though it is going to be a tear-jerker. A father called Charlie (Brendan Fraser), somewhat estranged from his daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink), seemingly trying to make amends and set her up for a better future than he thought he would be able to provide her. As Charlie’s health declines, his need to make amends only continues.

Like I said, this surely isn’t going to be the happiest of films. But from what it looks like, it may provide a slice of hope. I can’t say I’m familiar with director Darren Aronofsky’s work (so I might find myself watching Black Swan, also on our schedule this term, to get a flavour of the kind of films he makes) – but after a cursory look at some of the films he has under his belt (like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream) it seems like the cast’s talent has been put in safe hands. I’m looking forward to this one – see you there!

Sueda Oktay