Whalefall (2026)

What earned the score

• Same-Sex Relationships Normalized as Ordinary Possibility

  Mitt asks Jay whether he has a significant other, “girl or boy,” framing same-sex relationships as an equally accepted possibility within family life. Jay appreciates his father’s support but has no partner, and the exchange does not establish his sexual identity.

Details

Following the death of his father, Jay Gardiner goes diving off the central Coast of California in search of his remains, but is swallowed by a massive sperm whale. While trapped inside its belly with only one hour of oxygen left, Jay comes to realize that the hard-earned lessons his father imparted may be the key to his escape.

Starring

Austin AbramsJosh BrolinElisabeth ShueJohn OrtizJane Levy

Director

Brian Duffield

Writer

Brian DuffieldDaniel Kraus

Genre

Thriller

Release Date

Oct 14, 2026

Parents Guide

• Sex None

  None.

  Man is shirtless in a non sexual manor.

• Violence Moderate

  Inside the Sperm Whale, Jay is in the stomach and finding the way to get out. He looked at his hand. His hand is melting. He realized the stomach is full of acid and digestion.

  While Jay is trying to get out the stomach of the Sperm Whale, he got bitten by the giant squid and the its beak stuck in his hand.

  The scene where the squid beak gets stuck in his hand is graphic. Beware if you are squeamish.

  Jay breaks his ankle while in the whale. This scene can be graphic to people especially sensitive to bones. There is no bone detail but you can see the injury clearly.

• Profanity Moderate

  One use of "f*ck".

  About 10 uses of "s**t". As well as "a-," "b-ch" and "d-n." At least 10 misuses of God's name-including one paired with "g-d-n".

• Drugs Mild
• Frightening Scenes Severe

  The protagonist gets swallowed by a sperm whale.

  Inside the sperm whale, Jay gets attacked by a giant squid.

  Orcas or killer whales come out of nowhere and attack the sperm whale.

  The whale dive deeper into the water at one point and there is an unsettling scene where Jay is experiencing heavy pressure changed that affect his mind and ears. Can be graphic to those sensitive to injury and peril.

Reviews

• ★★☆☆☆ 2 stars Noticeable

  It was OK…