Acting excellence

He brings desperation and stoicism to the role.

He is repugnant and alluring as Charlie.

Sadie Sink mesmerises, too, as his vitriolic, estranged daughter, with a massive chip on her shoulders.

Her delivery is nothing short of astounding, each barb hitting its mark with remarkable clarity and conviction. She has talent in spades and I long to see what she does next.

Hong Chau, who recently captivated audiences with her no holds barred performance in The Menu, backs it up with another “look at me” showing. She is such a rounded and accomplished actor, who seems to have a fine understanding of the human condition.

Importantly, we also discover that Charlie used to be married to Mary (Samantha Morton).

But he left her and their then eightyear-old daughter Ellie nine years ago, after he started a love affair with a male student. He hasn’t seen Ellie since. Unexpectedly, the now wild and angry child (played by Sadie Sink as a 17-yearold) re-enters his life.

That happens after Charlie promises to help her write essays in an endeavour to get her through school, which she is failing.

My descriptor has barely brushed the surface of what is going down here.

But I am not about the spoil the surprise, nor the reward one gets by watching this very special film.

The Whale has the appearance of a totally involving theatrical piece.