“Whalefall” is drawing enthusiastic praise and some reservations after advance screenings. Three reactions collected by The Hollywood Reporter highlight how differently viewers responded to the survival thriller’s danger and family story.
Three early Whalefall reactions
Adam Hlaváč praised the tension of watching Austin Abrams’ character try to escape a sperm whale and recommended seeing the film on a large screen.
Phil Roberts welcomed both Abrams’ and Josh Brolin’s performances, along with the story’s emotional pull and visual effects.
Bethan Ackerley enjoyed Abrams’ ordeal but disliked the father-son storyline and ending. These are individual early responses, rather than a consensus from full reviews.
Release and review dates
Full reviews remain under embargo until Oct. 14, according to the outlet. The movie opens in theaters Oct. 16.
Brian Duffield directed and co-wrote the adaptation with Daniel Kraus, whose 2023 novel follows a diver swallowed by a whale. Brolin plays the diver’s father.
Archival photograph of Josh Brolin at the Academy Awards on March 27, 2022. Photo: Harrison Hill / USA TODAY. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Hill-USA TODAY.
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