Watch The Whale
- G
- 2011
- 1 hr 29 min
-
8.1 (754)
The Whale is a poignant and heart-warming film that was released in 2011. The movie is based on the true story of a solitary orca whale named Luna, who lost her family in Nootka Sound, British Columbia. Luna's story begins when she unexpectedly appears in Nootka Sound, separated from her family, and determined to make contact with human beings.
The Whale is directed by Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Ryan Reynolds as the narrator, Luna, the orca whale, and Michael Parfit, the writer and Luna's closest human companion.
The movie explores the story of Luna in its entirety with a documentary approach, blending narrative and documentary storytelling forms. It examines the plight of the lone orca whale, how she touched the lives of the people she interacted with, and how her story ultimately became one of hope and redemption.
The film shows us the unique perspective of the people who were directly affected by Luna's presence. It moves backwards and forwards through time, documenting the interactions she had with people, as well as the political struggles around her unique circumstances.
Through interviews with people who were there at the time, we hear tales of Luna's quirks and behaviors that resulted in her becoming a beloved figure in the community. At the same time, the movie also explores the tension and concerns that the whale's presence brought to the area, with some feeling nervous about the impact of her curious nature.
The Whale, at its core, is a beautifully shot film that evocatively captures the natural beauty of British Columbia, as well as the power of the ocean and the majesty of marine wildlife. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the diverse and rugged landscape, while also highlighting the grace and beauty of Luna as she swims in the sea.
Despite the beauty of her surroundings, Luna's story is one of loss and tragedy. Her loneliness and desperation for social interaction draws her to human beings, who are ultimately conflicted about how to interact with her.
The central question posed in the movie is whether it is possible for Luna to be reintegrated into the pod she was born into or whether she is destined to be alone. The film offers different perspectives on the issue and argues that although it is possible to reintegrate Luna, doing so is highly complex and is fraught with ethical concerns.
Throughout the runtime of the movie, it becomes clear that there are no easy answers for Luna or for the people who are trying to protect her. The movie doesn't shy away from depicting the difficult decision-making that occurs around Luna and doesn't over-simplify her situation.
Overall, The Whale is an intimate biography that tells the story of Luna in a way that is both touching and thought-provoking. The film offers a rare glimpse of a creature often seen as ferocious and intimidating, but in reality is intelligent, curious, and deeply emotional.
The Whale is a movie that will appeal to nature lovers, animal lovers, and anyone who can appreciate an engaging and moving story. It serves both as a tribute to Luna and a commentary on the relationship between humans and animals. The movie ends with a poignant moral that we need to take a deeper interest in preserving the natural world and to appreciate our connections with animals.
The Whale is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 64.