Whalefall: Abrams Trapped in Sperm Whale in Mixed-Review Survival Thriller

Key points

• Austin Abrams plays Jay Gardiner, a scuba diver searching for his late father's remains off Monterey, California, who is swallowed by a sperm whale.
• Director Brian Duffield and co-writer Daniel Kraus adapted the 2023 novel, with Josh Brolin appearing in flashbacks as the abusive father, Mitt.
• The film features graphic visual effects inside the whale, including digestive fluid and bioluminescent creatures, but critics note inconsistent pacing and over-explained action.
• Duffield emphasized the whale is 'the good guy' in the film, contrasting it with 'Jaws,' and the movie is being screened in 4DX.
• Austin Abrams was cast before his role in 'Resident Evil,' and Duffield noted Disney agreed to his casting after seeing audition tapes.

Background

Austin Abrams recently starred in Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil,' a survival-horror film that reimagined the franchise with a focus on escalating desperation. 'Whalefall' is his second film in a month involving fleshy tentacles, according to Variety. The film opens October 16, following a period of mixed early reactions and embargoed reviews.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire's Alison Foreman gave the film a B-, praising the exceptional underwater effects and Abrams' performance but criticizing the jarring flashbacks and over-explained action. Variety's Owen Gleiberman called it 'unintentionally preposterous,' comparing the whale to a 'carcass of a thriller' and criticizing Abrams' performance as 'wimpy.' The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Duffield's pro-whale stance, noting the film is 'passionately pro-whale over here, anti-squid, but pro whale.' Consequence of Sound focused on Josh Brolin's favorite movies list, noting his involvement in 'Whalefall.'

Why it matters

The film's mixed reception highlights the challenge of balancing visceral survival horror with emotional drama. Duffield's emphasis on the whale as a 'good guy' contrasts with the film's brutal premise, and the 4DX screenings aim to enhance the immersive experience. The film's success will depend on whether audiences accept the blend of horror and grief narrative.

What to watch

Whalefall is in theaters Friday, October 16. The film is also being screened in 4DX, with Duffield warning audiences not to get 'too seasick.' Abrams has suggested bringing a poncho for the 4DX experience.