The Whale
7.6
The Whale fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace2
- Spectacle2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos10
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
- Dark Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
- Direction9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Whale is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor 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
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
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 Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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Questions about The Whale
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Whale worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 64%, and Metacritic 100). 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 and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Whale?
1 h 57 min
The Whale runs 1 h 57 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Whale?
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see The Whale much the same way.
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.