Review of In the Heart of the Sea (2015) by Flipje — 25 May 2021

This movie reminded me of when I worked in catering. Everything looks appetizing, everything is basically in the right place and the decor is definitely good but when you start to look at the actual ingredients and take a bite, you feel somewhat robbed.

And that's how I feel after this film. I am satisfied but still hungry, hankering for something more substantial. The actors are solid but the material itself, well, while fascinating, doesn't seem to give you more than a good long plunge into the dire straits of whale hunters.

Everything felt tacked on from obvious class conflict between the ship captain and first mate. Then the hunting of the whales. That was painful to watch where at one point, I couldn't sympathize with the crew.

Then, when that one mighty whale figured enough was enough, I was more on board with the beast and thought, let these buggers have their tea and come-uppance. Some died, some survived. I didn't get the impression grand lessons were learned or some moment of transcendence occurred.

It was a good yarn in the main. That's about it.