Brendan Fraser's Oscar-Winning Comeback Movie Will Make You Cry All Over Again With Its November Netflix Premiere

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The Whale

Brendan Fraser's Oscar-winning movie, The Whale, is coming to Netflix in November 2024. Produced by A24 and directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Whale tells the tale of an English teacher with severe obesity trying to reconnect with his daughter, and is based on Samuel D. Hunter's 2012 play of the same name. Fraser won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the tear-jerking film. Along with him, Hong Chau received a nominee for Best Supporting Actress. The Whale also went home with an Oscar in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category.

According to What's on Netflix,The Whale will arrive on Netflix on November 1st, among the list of films coming to Netflix on the same day, including Jen Linley and Matthew Morrison-led Christmas romance movie, A Paris Waltz, Tom Cruise's sci-fi thriller Oblivion, Jack Black's R.L. Stone adaptation Goosebumps, Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission, Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge and many others. The Whale was one of the best movies that came out in 2022. While it garnered significant praise from the press, the film also attracted controversy for its approach to food addiction and obesity.

For Fans Of...

Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau
Oscar-winning films
A24 films
Controversial psychological drama

Why You Should Watch The Whale

Branden Fraser's Best Performance To Date

The A24 film isn't here to make viewers comfortable, and it shouldn't for its subject matter. The tear-jerking tale dives deep into the life of a man who's trapped in his apartment with heart, while making many deliberate choices that allow viewers to feel Charlie's struggle and entrapment in The Whale.

Why The Whale Is Controversial, Despite Brendan Fraser's Comeback

Despite it being hailed as Brendan Fraser’s comeback move after nearly a decade away, Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale is mired in controversy.

Charlie is an English teacher who teaches online. Each day, Charlie struggles to get up and do basic tasks, but he doesn't leave his apartment. The only person who visits him is his friend Liz, who checks on him between shifts, and when Charlie's estranged daughter, who he left a decade ago, shows up, he's trying everything to rekindle the relationship. The Whale has Fraser's best performance to date. He gives Charlie so much vulnerability, showing another side than his leading man's charm that made moviegoers fall in love with him in the '90s.

What Screen Rant has said about The Whale:

"There is no doubt The Whale marks the most important movie in Brendan Fraser's career and the one that cemented his amazing comeback story... The movie was divisive among critics with many criticizing the movie's depiction of the lead character. However, there is no denying the power of Fraser's performance, giving him a role unlike any he has had in his career until now."

Our Take on The Whale

It Sheds Light On Eating Disorder With Sensitivity

Brendan Fraser in a chair and smiling in The Whale.

The film's treatment makes sure that Charlie's eating disorder isn't invisible. Fraser has a unique take on Charlie while he tackles the challenges and complexity of the disorder from different angles, even though it may seem almost misleading in a way. Despite the controversial aspect of the film, Fraser's performance really shines through the frame and makes the film memorable.

Charlie's humor sparks nostalgia since it reminds fans of Fraser in The Mummy. He's warm and kind, humorous and tender. The film doesn't lack moments of beauty and hope, despite it tackling difficult subjects. The Whale takes viewers on an emotional ride of laughter, tears, empathy and self discovery while shedding light on eating disorders with sensitivity.

Source: What's on Netflix