'Whalefall' Review: Immersive Survival Drama Swallows Audience Whole
Austin Abrams delivers a compelling performance in Brian Duffield's 'Whalefall,' a gripping survival tale set within the belly of a sperm whale.
Brian Duffield's latest film, "Whalefall," plunges audiences into an intense survival drama, centered on a college student who finds himself swallowed by a giant sperm whale. The film, adapted from Daniel Kraus's 2023 novel, stars Austin Abrams as Jay Gardiner.
Jay's ordeal begins as he searches for the remains of his estranged father, Mitt Gardiner, a scuba diver played by Josh Brolin, who committed suicide by sinking himself off the California coast. Driven by guilt over his absence during his father's final moments, Jay embarks on a dive that takes a terrifying turn when he is ingested by a sperm whale.
The majority of the film follows Jay's desperate fight for survival inside the whale, with limited oxygen and unexpected encounters with other creatures, including a giant squid also consumed by the whale. The narrative interweaves these present-day struggles with flashbacks to Jay's difficult relationship with his father.
![Austin Abrams in Whalefall]( "Austin Abrams as Jay Gardiner in 20th Century Studios' "Whalefall." (© 2026 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.)")
Abrams, who also recently starred in "Resident Evil," carries the film with a likable and relatable performance, effectively portraying Jay's underdog struggle. Director Brian Duffield, known for his suspenseful solo-character work in "No One Will Save You," masterfully crafts the claustrophobic atmosphere within the whale. The film's visual effects are lauded for their immersive quality, making the audience feel present in Jay's perilous situation.
However, the film falters in its final act, with some pacing issues and a runtime that could have been trimmed. The review also notes the underutilization of actress Elisabeth Shue, who plays Jay's mother.
Despite these criticisms, "Whalefall" is described as a thrilling and immersive survival drama, showcasing Abrams' performance and Duffield's directorial promise. The film is recommended for the big screen experience, offering a suspenseful dive into a unique peril.
"Whalefall" is rated PG-13 for peril, violent content, bloody images, some strong language, and thematic content. The film runs for 1 hour and 46 minutes and is currently in theaters.