Director, writer, and producer Darren Aronofsky is known as a filmmaker who revels in the strange and unexpected. Whether you’re watching the psychological drama Requiem for a Dream, the epic romance The Fountain, or the horror allegory Mother!, you know you’re in for a weird film. At their centers though, are films focusing on strong emotional moments and complex characters.The Whale is a continuation of those kinds of stories.
Starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink, The Whale follows an obese man who seeks to reconnect with his estranged daughter. The film is based on a play of the same name written by Samuel D. Hunter. The film adaptation of The Whale has faced criticism for its portrayal of an obese person–Fraser wears a fat-suit for the role–as well as casting Fraser (a straight actor) in the role of a gay character.
However, critics have praised both Fraser and Sink’s performances, with Variety noting Fraser is “a better actor—slyer, subtler, more haunting—than he has ever been.” Despite controversy around the film, the actor has been one of the frontrunners for Best Lead Actor awards all awards season long. His success in the role is particularly significant as he’s has only recently come back into the national spotlight after his career stalled in the late 2000s. Fans of Fraser are ecstatic with the his career resurgence.
Fraser’s Best Actor nomination, however, is up against stiff competition. Austin Butler in Elvis, Colin Farrell for The Banshees of Insiherin, Paul Mescal in Aftersun, and Bill Nighy in Living are all contenders for the coveted award as well.
For avid film fans curious about Fraser’s performance and whether he really will come away from this award season with an Oscar win, here’s everything we know about how to watch The Whale, plus if you can stream it at home.
Sadie Sink in The Whale.
How to Watch The Whale
Is The Whale Available to Stream?
After its theatrical run that began back in December, The Whale is now available to stream from home (although you’ll have to pay for it). Currently, the film is available for purchase on Prime Video for $19.99. So if you want to watch The Whale, you’ll own it forever.
Milan Polk is an Editorial Assistant for Men’s Health who specializes in entertainment and lifestyle reporting, and has worked for New York Magazine’s Vulture and Chicago Tribune.
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