Is “The Whale” a True Story? Exploring the Controversy Behind the Movie

Brendan Fraser marked a remarkable return to the entertainment industry with A24’s acclaimed film, The Whale. However, the question lingering in the minds of many is whether this gripping narrative is inspired by real-life events.

Remember the buzz surrounding The Whale during the recent awards season? After spending years out of the Hollywood spotlight, Brendan Fraser captivated audiences with his powerful portrayal of Charlie, a 600-pound English teacher grappling with complex personal struggles in the confines of his apartment.

As emotional discussions around the film rekindle, especially now that it’s available on a streaming platform, viewers once again find themselves drawn into its poignant narrative. The movie also stars notable talents like Sadie Sink from Stranger Things and Hong Chau, contributing to a compelling ensemble.

Is The Whale Based on a True Story?

Writer Samuel D. Hunter clarifies that while The Whale is primarily a work of fiction, it incorporates various personal experiences from Hunter’s own life. His journey began in Moscow, Idaho, where he faced significant challenges, including expulsion from a religious high school upon coming out as gay.

After pursuing his education in the Midwest and later attending Juilliard, Hunter began crafting the story that would evolve from an off-Broadway play in 2012 into the film we see today. Throughout this process, he taught an expository writing class akin to the one Charlie leads in the film, embedding real responses from his students into his screenplay.

Reflecting on his students’ honest revelations, he recounted a poignant moment: “One student wrote, ‘I think I need to accept that my life isn’t going to be very exciting,’ capturing the heartfelt vulnerability that inspired Hunter’s desire to write about an expository writing teacher.”

While grounded in fiction, Hunter’s narrative resonates with contemporary societal themes. He emphasized the importance of fostering hope and dignity in the face of adversity, stating, “Despite the negativity that surrounds him, Charlie remains steadfast in his faith in others, which is central to the film’s heart.”

What Makes The Whale Controversial?

Upon its debut, The Whale faced backlash for allegations of fatphobia and for perpetuating outdated stereotypes relating to mental health, binge eating, and suffering.

Brendan Fraser in The Whale — Credit: A24

In the film, Fraser’s character, Charlie, struggles to mend his relationship with his estranged daughter while coping with significant grief and health issues. To portray this complex role authentically, Fraser wore a fatsuit adding approximately 300 pounds to his frame, a choice that drew mixed reviews.

Critics, like Rebecca Bodenheimer of The Daily Beast, condemned the film as “fatphobia at its worst,” suggesting that the industry continues to stigmatize body diversity. Eloise Hendy from The Independent pointed out that the film uses the fatsuit not for humor but rather for a deeper critique of societal views on weight and pity.

Moreover, Dr. Marcella Raimondo, an expert in eating disorders, voiced concerns that the film relies on detrimental tropes that suggest being overweight is a person’s worst attribute. In response, Hunter acknowledged the criticism and noted that the script aims to challenge societal prejudices regarding obesity, especially given its historical context.

Where to Watch The Whale

If you’re eager to witness Fraser’s powerful performance, The Whale is currently available on Netflix and Hoopla, alongside options to rent or purchase on Apple TV+.

For those new to the streaming service, Fraser’s captivating role can be explored through various subscription plans (note that a free trial is not available).

For additional cinematic experiences, explore upcoming A24 releases, new streaming options this month, and the finest films of the year thus far.

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