The Whale streaming: where to watch movie online? (2024)

What to know

The Whale is a psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky. Often considered a master of the surreal, Aronofsky trades the scale of previous productions like Noah and mother! for a more intimate and stripped-back cinematic experience. The film takes place in a single location and is predominantly naturalistic marking quite the change for the director. In another first for him, The Whale is an adaptation of a play. Both stage and screenplay were written by McArthur Genius, Samuel D. Hunter. The story has been under consideration for adaptation since the director first saw the play live in 2012. Working behind the camera is long-time and trusted cinematographer Matthew Libatique.

Starring in the lead role is Brendan Fraser, who was the perfect pick for the lead, Charlie. Darren Aronofsky suggested that he waited to find the right actor to play the role and eventually landed on Fraser as the person. Opposite him is Hong Chau, known for her work in Watchmen and Downsizing, playing Liz, a nurse and best friend to Charlie. His estranged daughter, Ellie is played by Sadie Sink while Samantha Morton plays his ex-wife Mary. Sathya Sridharan is Dan, the pizza delivery worker and Ty Simpkins of Insidious fame is a religious missionary named Thomas. The Whale was released in cinemas on December 9th, 2022.

Production: Timeline, news & updates

• January 11, 2021
  • Darren Aronofksy and A24 announce their first collaboration. The movie will star Brendan Fraser and is based on The Whale, a work by the MacArthur-winning playwright Samuel D. Hunter. The announcement confirms that Hunter will be helping in adapting the play to screen. (Source: Deadline)
• February 10, 2021
  • Hong Chau is cast in the female lead role to play opposite Brendan Fraser. (Source: Deadline)
• March 4, 2021
  • Ty Simpkins is confirmed to have signed on to the film with Samantha Morton and Sadie Sink also in negotiations to round out the cast. (Source: Deadline)
• March 8, 2021
  • The film goes into production with a confirmation of the official synopsis. An obese recluse is in hiding while also desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter.(Source: Production List)
• June 22, 2021
  • In an interview, Brendan Fraser confirms that The Whale has finished shooting. He commented briefly on the costume, wardrobe, and prosthetics used for his character. (Source: Newsweek)
• September 4, 2022
  • The Whale was premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a six-minute standing ovation and the vision of a teary-eyed lead actor Brendan Fraser.(Source: Variety)
• September 11, 2022
  • Brendan Fraser accepted the TIFF Tribute Award at the Toronto International Film Festival for his performance in The Whale. (Source: Rolling Stone)
• November 8, 2022
  • A new trailer for the movie is released, teasing the epic drama with Brendan Fraser front and centre. (Source: Variety)
• December 9, 2022
  • The Whale was released in cinemas.(Source: Variety)