The Whale
A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.
Despite its modest budget of $3.0M, The Whale became a box office phenomenon, earning $55.1M worldwide—a remarkable 1737% return. The film's fresh perspective connected with viewers, showing that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
2 Oscars. 50 wins & 122 nominations
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Charlie
Ellie
Liz
Thomas
Mary
Main Cast & Characters
Charlie
Played by Brendan Fraser
A morbidly obese English teacher living in isolation, seeking reconnection with his estranged daughter while confronting his mortality and past traumas.
Ellie
Played by Sadie Sink
Charlie's estranged teenage daughter, angry and cynical, who reluctantly reconnects with her dying father.
Liz
Played by Hong Chau
Charlie's loyal caretaker and best friend, a nurse who supports him through his final days while carrying her own grief.
Thomas
Played by Ty Simpkins
A young missionary from New Life Church who visits Charlie, hiding his own troubled past and motivations.
Mary
Played by Samantha Morton
Charlie's bitter ex-wife and Ellie's mother, who harbors deep resentment over their past.