The director of Pi, Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, and Mother!, Darren Aronofsky has never been one to play safe. Here, in his first film in five years, Aronofsky bucks expectations again with a chamber piece about an English teacher, Charlie (Brendan Fraser, still recognizable under layers of latex), who appears to be on the verge of eating himself to death. The term “morbidly obese” is rightfully considered problematic, but in Charlie’s case it may apply: his eating is a kind of death wish, a semi-conscious bid to be reunited with his dead, gay lover. Before that happens, he reaches out to the teenage daughter he hasn’t seen in ten years.
Adapted from Samuel D. Hunter’s play, The Whale confronts prejudice in all shapes and sizes. It’s a gripping, compassionate drama which keeps us hooked without leaving the confines of Charlie’s apartment. Along with what is probably Fraser’s career-best performance, there’s sterling work here from Hong Chau (Downsizing) as his friend and de facto nurse, Samantha Morton as his ex-wife, and Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) as his rebellious daughter, Ellie.
Presented by
Darren Aronofsky
Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, Samantha Morton
USA
2022
English
Self Harm
Book Tickets
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
The Secret in Their Eyes
This month's Talking Pictures screening is a multi-layered, poignant thriller interweaving the personal lives of a prosecution investigator (Ricardo Darin) and a judge, with a manhunt spanning twenty-five years. Stay for cookies, coffee and a chat after!
American Doctor
One of the most powerful documentaries of the year, this puts us smack in the open wound that is Gaza, filtered through the eyes of three American surgeons (of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian backgrounds) compelled to do their utmost to alleviate harm.
Credits
Executive Producer
Scott Franklin, Tyson Bidner
Producer
Jeremy Dawson, Ari Handel, Darren Aronofsky
Screenwriter
Samuel D. Hunter
Cinematography
Matthew Libatique
Editor
Andrew Weisblum
Production Design
Mark Friedberg, Robert Pyzocha
Original Music
Rob Simonsen