Watch The Whales of August

The Whales of August is a 1987 drama film starring legendary Hollywood icons Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, alongside the iconic Vincent Price. The film was directed by Lindsay Anderson and written by David Berry, based on his play of the same name. The Whales of August tells the story of two elderly sisters, Sarah (played by Davis) and Libby (played by Gish), who have spent their summers in a Maine cottage for over 50 years. When they invite an old friend, Tisha (played by Ann Sothern) to visit, the sisters are forced to confront the reality of their aging bodies and the scars of their past.

The film is a poignant and reflective exploration of aging, memory, and the bonds that hold families together. It is beautifully shot, with stunning views of the Maine coastline and a moving musical score that perfectly captures the mood of the film. The performances of Davis and Gish, in particular, are exceptional, as they portray the sisters' complex relationship with nuance and authenticity.

At the center of the film is the relationship between Sarah and Libby, two sisters who could not be more different. Sarah is the pragmatic and domineering sister, while Libby is the gentle and more emotional one. Over the course of the film, we see their dynamic shift as they confront the realities of their aging bodies and the memories of their past mistakes. Davis gives a powerful performance as Sarah, capturing her bitterness and regret with remarkable subtlety. Gish, on the other hand, portrays Libby's vulnerability and sadness with her signature grace and elegance.

Vincent Price's character, Mr. Maranov, is a Russian émigré who once was a renowned artist. He provides an outsider’s perspective on the sisters' lives and the passing of time, as well as a source of humor and levity that lightens the heavy emotion of the film. Ann Sothern's character, Tisha, is a longtime friend of the sisters who brings with her secrets that expose their vulnerabilities of whose consequences could be life-changing.

The Whales of August is a film that deals with the difficult themes of aging, memory, and mortality with a delicate touch. It is a beautiful and moving portrait of two sisters who have spent their lives together, facing the complexities of their past and present as they confront the reality of their mortality. The Whales of August remains a testimonial to the great careers of Bette Davis and Lillian Gish while also paying tribute to the passing of generations and the inevitability of change. The film is a treasure trove of internal dialogue that plumbs the depths of love, friendship, and all of life’s uncertainties. The Whales of August is a timeless film and a must-see for any lover of classic cinema.

The Whales of August is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.