In the Holy Bible, the book of Jonah (Chapters 1-2) details the story of Jonah and the whale. Every kid that’s attended Sunday School has heard this tale – Jonah is running from God’s purpose. During a violent storm he’s tossed in the sea and the waters are calmed. Instead of drowning, Jonah is swallowed by a big fish and lives inside for 3 days. After prayers and repent, God tells the fish to spit up Jonah on dry land. Ultimately, it’s a story about purpose, second chances, and God’s grace.  

Whalefall, based on the 2023 novel by Daniel Kraus, tells a familiar story. 

Jay (Austin Abrams) goes scuba diving to find the remains of his estranged father, Mitt (Josh Brolin). During his search, he’s swallowed by a sperm whale. He’s trapped inside the whale’s stomach with just his wits and an hour of oxygen. Jay must remember the lessons from his father to help him escape before it’s too late.  

Although the film is being marketed as a survival thriller, there is some of that, but most of the film is an exploration of grief and forgiveness. The heart of the film is Jay playing back memories with his father, and most of them aren’t good. Through the course of the film, you learn why their relationship was so fractured. Josh Brolin gives one of his best performances in years. Each segment with Mitt shows a different phase of his life. One moment, he’s an overbearing father, and the next he’s trying to give his son lessons that will save his life while scuba diving. Brolin is effortlessly excellent in each scene.

If you want a 127 Hours style survival thriller, you’ll be content with the whale scenes. For people who are claustrophobic, those scenes may be triggering. It often feels like you’re trapped inside with Jay. Austin Abrams holds his own inside the whale. Abram’s ability to hold the attention was impressive. He must’ve went to Tom Hanks School of Acting Alone.

The entire whale belly saga is like a scary episode of The Magic School Bus and you’re getting a tour of the inside of a sperm whale. Without Ms. Frizzle to guide Jay through a whale’s anatomy, he must use whatever skills and life lessons to find a way out.

Similar to Jonah, Jay’s journey is one about second chances and grace. During the film’s final act, the story shifts into and acceptance from Jay for his situation and relationship with his dad. It explores our connection to each other and nature that almost feels poetic. Whalefall is less about survival and more about connection. Sometimes a connection to something is what we need. Maybe that’s what will ultimately save us all.  

Grade: B