2022 · 117 min · Drama
The Whale is Darren Aronofsky's emotionally devastating drama starring Brendan Fraser as Charlie, a reclusive English teacher with severe obesity who is attempting to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter in his final days. Based on Samuel D. Hunter's play, the film earned Fraser the Academy Award for Best Actor — one of cinema's most celebrated comebacks.
The Whale streams on Paramount+ with any subscription plan. It's also available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Yes — Brendan Fraser won the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Whale, his first Oscar win. His performance and comeback story became one of the most celebrated moments in recent Academy Awards history.
Yes — The Whale is adapted from Samuel D. Hunter's 2012 stage play, which debuted off-Broadway.
The Whale deals with severe obesity, self-destruction, grief, and estrangement. It's an emotionally demanding film, though Fraser's performance and the writing make it deeply affecting rather than exploitative.
Yes — both The Whale and Black Swan are directed by Darren Aronofsky, who is known for intense character studies including Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler.