Awards Radar Community: Share Your Thoughts on ‘The Whale’ Once You’ve Seen It

After what seems like forever, Darren Aronofsky‘s The Whale is now in theaters. Starring Brendan Fraser, with Hong Chau and Sadie Sink in prime supporting roles, this adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter‘s play arrives with massive Oscar buzz for Fraser. While the Academy Award prospects for the film elsewhere are wildly divergent, depending on who you ask, it’s impossible to deny the power of the leading man. The movie itself, however, has proven divisive. So, for this week’s Awards Radar Community Question, we’re putting it out to you the reader. What did you all think of The Whale?

In my review of The Whale out of the Toronto International Film Festival (found here), I had this to say:

Well, damn. Watching The Whale is about as tough an experience as it gets, even for a veteran and fan of Darren Aronofsky. There’s no way around the ringer that this film puts you through, which has been a hallmark of Aronofsky’s career time and time again. The Whale pairs well with Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, and The Wrestler, even if it looks very different. Once again, he also has an Oscar worthy performance under his belt, with this as much of an acting showcase as ever before. Playing at the Toronto International Film Festival, it’s a memorable experience, but just know going in, the movie is going to challenge and test you.

The Whale shattered me, of course led by the work of Brendan Fraser. It truly is the performance of a career, which Aronofsky accentuates at every turn. It’s impossible not to be blown away by the work. Now, for a film so full of empathy, it also can come off as mean to some as well. I didn’t have that issue, but it’s a movie that will generate a range of reactions. The only emotion that everyone will share? Fraser’s pitch perfect work.

Now, it’s your turn. If/when you see The Whale, we want to know your thoughts. Did you love it? Did you hate it? Is the answer somewhere in between? Regardless of your take, as long as it’s respectful, drop it in the comments section now…

What did you think of The Whale? Let us know!