First, this movie can only be appreciated by those with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and those capable of forgiveness. I do not remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed a series of performances by very qualified actors inside a single apartment, with absolutely no change in location, and the only outside reference being the ever-changing weather. Every component of the scenes is a metaphor, richly layered on each other.
Brandon Fraser most certainly deserves the accolades for this performance of a lifetime. His depiction of a bariatric patient in the extreme stages of a health crisis is tremendously authentic and moving. This calm, measured pragmatism about his diminished role in the world, and the harsh judgement of society, should make all hesitate and reserve estimation of others. I can personally relate to some of his experiences, having received the harsh judgement of the world for my own physical shortcomings.
Sadie Sink, Hong Chau and Samantha Morton give stellar performances as various satellites rotating around the protagonist, brimming with love and pity but unable to express it honestly. The desire for said honesty is a primary demand of the film, to be authentic and true. But alas too much honesty will alienate one from the world, as we can find out to our great expense.
Do people do terrible things without rationale or justification? Most certainly. Do they perhaps deserve some forgiveness if they are truly contrite and make tangible amends? Most certainly. The Whale is a triumph of cinema.
Brandon Fraser most certainly deserves the accolades for this performance of a lifetime. His depiction of a bariatric patient in the extreme stages of a health crisis is tremendously authentic and moving. This calm, measured pragmatism about his diminished role in the world, and the harsh judgement of society, should make all hesitate and reserve estimation of others. I can personally relate to some of his experiences, having received the harsh judgement of the world for my own physical shortcomings.
Sadie Sink, Hong Chau and Samantha Morton give stellar performances as various satellites rotating around the protagonist, brimming with love and pity but unable to express it honestly. The desire for said honesty is a primary demand of the film, to be authentic and true. But alas too much honesty will alienate one from the world, as we can find out to our great expense.
Do people do terrible things without rationale or justification? Most certainly. Do they perhaps deserve some forgiveness if they are truly contrite and make tangible amends? Most certainly. The Whale is a triumph of cinema.