The Whale
8.1
The Whale fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Spectacle4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Wondrous and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Wonder8
- Wholesome7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumWondrous and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's wondrous, wholesome, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Whale
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Whale worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 64). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Whale rated?
It's rated G in the United States.
How long is The Whale?
1 h 29 min
The Whale runs 1 h 29 min.
Is The Whale based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Whale?
Yes. Critics average 75 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see The Whale much the same way.
What language is The Whale in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
What tropes does The Whale use?
TV Tropes lists 27 storytelling tropes for The Whale, including Unseen No More, 20 Minutes into the Past, God Is Evil.