Review of In the Heart of the Sea (2015) by Jens S — 09 Dec 2015

The story of the Essex that led Melville to writing Moby Dick is an untold adventure that gets the treatment it deserves here. Director Howard knows all the tricks required for such a tale, his film is often wonderfully old-fashioned. On the other hand, the editing and camera work couldn't be any fresher, especially the cinematography is as innovative as no other film this year, creating unforgettable images, even if they last mere seconds at times. Thankfully, the film can rely on more than technical gimmicks, the cast is really convincing too. While the marketing promises a lot more whale-fighting than there is, the scenes of the hunt are breathtaking. After that, it's mostly a gruesome story of survival, so one shouldn't expect non-stop action.

A perfect film for this season when you can crouch into your comfortable seat and be glad you're warm and dry while watching real men battle the weather, the sea and a gigantic monster. Great entertainment.