Review of The Whale (2013) by Christine G — 26 Sep 2011

This film fully captures the incredible emotional range and intensity of our Northwest Resident orcas, expressed by Luna in his many interactions with humans as well as his time on his own. At first those living in Nootka Sound are able to respond to his entreaties for play in ways they feel appropriate until the Canadian authorities become aware he is there.

Their attempts to limit contact with him are pretty comical. All the indecision by the government as well as the natural responses of the First Nations people and other residents of the area are well-documented, albeit in a storytelling format which makes Luna's story all the more timeless.

In fact, Luna is not the only orca to have been found separated from its pod in the Northwest. A female orca named Springer was successfully reunited with her pod a few years later after being found swimming near the ferries in Seattle.

"The Whale" beautifully tells one chapter in the ongoing story that is our interaction with orcas in the waters off Washington and BC. This is the story of people who can't help but care, of an orca who won't be told no, and of the need to resolve our issues quickly when a young life depends on it.

Far more than a documentary, this film truly sings a song of the Northwest. And you won't be able to forget Luna.