Watch Braking for Whales

Braking for Whales is a heartfelt comedy-drama that follows estranged siblings, Brandon (Tom Felton) and Star (Tammin Sursok) who must come together to fulfill a family obligation after their mother passes away. However, their plans are quickly derailed when they discover that their mother's dying wish was for them to scatter her ashes at the site where their father died.

The film is set in Cayucos, a small seaside town in California, and the scenic beauty of the place is beautifully captured on screen. The film's title itself is a reference to the whales that migrate off the coast of Cayucos every year, and it serves as a metaphor for the siblings' journey towards forgiveness and healing.

Brandon, a struggling writer, and Star, a successful actress, couldn't be more different, but they are both grappling with their own personal demons. Brandon is dealing with writer's block and the aftermath of a failed relationship while Star is struggling with the pressures of fame and her unhappy marriage. Their mother's passing forces them to confront their past and the rift between them, as they embark on a road trip to carry out her final wishes.

As they journey together, they encounter quirky locals and unexpected obstacles, including a hitchhiker played by Wendi McLendon-Covey who joins them on their journey. McLendon-Covey's character provides some much-needed comic relief to the film, and her chemistry with Felton and Sursok is delightful to watch.

The film's standout performances come from its two leads. Felton, best known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, shows his range as an actor, delivering a nuanced performance as the brooding and emotionally closed-off Brandon. Sursok, on the other hand, brings a charm and vulnerability to her portrayal of Star, making her a relatable and likable character despite her flaws.

One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of complex family dynamics. It explores the ways in which siblings can grow apart and become estranged over time, but also the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. The scenes between Felton and Sursok are particularly poignant, as they slowly begin to open up to each other and confront the pain of their past.

The film is also a love letter to small-town America, with its picturesque landscapes, quirky characters, and local traditions. The filmmakers have clearly put a lot of thought into capturing the essence of Cayucos and its people, and it adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

Overall, Braking for Whales is a heartwarming and funny film that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Its strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and relatable characters make it a must-watch for anyone who has ever struggled to mend a broken relationship with a loved one.

Braking for Whales is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.