The Whale
Charlie’s physical form has very convincing prosthetics, his belly hangs over his trousers, his jawline disappears into his neck. The film doesn’t deal the real-world trauma that someone like Charlie faces. His behaviour . . . ordering a pizza and hiding from the delivery man, pretending his webcam is broken so his students don’t see him, these self-destructive snacking habits that have little to do with food and everything to do with his feelings. The Whale finds in its framing in fatness, with the relentless, oppressive experience of disordered eating.
You can’t ignore The Whale’s theatrical origins, which doesn’t translate very well to a cinematic adaptation. The single location works well in highlighting Charlie’s isolation but feels cold with a lack of visual variety. This might have fared better as TV film or three-parter television series.
The Whale is a great stripped-back character study, with a fabulous lead performance in a rather slitted and claustrophobic film. The film is still showing in some theatres, but may also be available on some rental streaming services.
