Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan. Requiem for a Dream) draws from Samuel D. Hunter’s adaptation of his own 2012 play set during the 2016 U.S. primary season in rural Idaho.
The bold ambitions of the helmsman doesn’t extend to being more calculating when it comes to aa reclusive on-line, morbidly obese writing instructor, Charlie (Brendan Fraser, who rose as an action star with a sense of wonder in roles over two decades ago).
This purported by Fraser has a lovely humanity about it that the melodramas strains to offer veritable power to it. Even with the source’s limitations in its transferal a certain aura registers at times in its imagery. And, there are noticeable, varying turns by thespians in Charlie’s orbit like Liz (Hong Chau) who cautions him of a severely elevated blood pressure. As well as an opportunity for a certain deliverance in trying to reconnect with an estranged daughter, played by Sadie Sink. Even Samantha Morton connects in her brief time as ex-wife Mary.
Yet, The Whale is hindered by its means to coalesce a variety of sensitive topics, including religion and sexuality; though not by Fraser whose haunted eyes really take more center stage than a fat suit.