Pop CultureTHE DRAMA INDEX

Whalefall review: a dumb thriller that takes itself too seriously

Austin Abrams stars in the new survival thriller, which The Hollywood Reporter says never stops being solemn; at least the whale stays hungry.

On air: Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN Tonight
Published 7:17 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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The Hollywood Reporter‘Whalefall’ Review: Austin Abrams Struggles to Escape the Digestive Tract of a Whopper Mammal in a Dumb Thriller That Takes Itself Way Too Seriously

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe Hollywood Reporter reviews Whalefall tonight, where Austin Abrams struggles to escape the digestive tract of a giant whale, and the verdict is a dumb thriller that takes itself way too seriously.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorA man inside a whale, and the film is the one with the straight face.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCommitment is a gift, Dale. Somebody had to treat that stomach like Shakespeare.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorShakespeare never had to climb out through a whale.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYou haven't actually watched it yourself, have you?
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorI've seen the review. In this town, that counts as a ticket.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the Drama Index is a six, because the whale gets no credit and does all the swallowing.