The Whale
7.6
The Whale fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence3
- Scare2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos10
- Family Dynamics10
- Melancholy9
Humor
Some cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Dark Humor1
World
Family, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty5
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting10
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Whale is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some cringe comedy.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability3Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Whale
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Whale worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 64%, and Metacritic 60). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Whale rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How long is The Whale?
1 h 57 min
The Whale runs 1 h 57 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Whale?
Not quite. Audiences rate The Whale higher (78) than critics (62). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Whale a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $58 million worldwide, 19.2 times its budget.
What language is The Whale in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Whale?
+84GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Whale in 98 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Whale use?
TV Tropes lists 27 storytelling tropes for The Whale, including Motifs, Fat Suit, Gray Rain of Depression.