Is ‘Whalefall’ worth watching? Rotten Tomatoes critics weigh in on survival thriller

The film follows a diver with only one hour of oxygen as he desperately searches for a way out

Whalefall is receiving a largely positive response from film critics ahead of its nationwide cinema release, although some reviewers have questioned its emotional storytelling and unusual premise.

The survival thriller stars Austin Abrams as Jay Gardner, a deep sea diver searching the Pacific Ocean off California for the remains of his late father, Mitt, played by Josh Brolin. His mission takes a horrifying turn when he is swallowed by an enormous sperm whale, leaving him with only an hour of oxygen to escape alive.

Directed by Brian Duffield, the film is adapted from Daniel Kraus’s 2023 novel of the same name. The cast also includes Elisabeth Shue, Jane Levy, Emily Rudd and John Ortiz.

According to the review figures cited by Forbes on October 14, Whalefall had earned a 79% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes from 43 reviews. The score may change as additional reviews are published, and an audience rating was not yet available in the supplied report.

Several critics praised the film for combining claustrophobic survival tension with family drama and gruesome imagery. Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence described it as a cathartic and deeply human experience, while Rocco T Thompson of Slant Magazine praised its grounding in factual possibilities and its emotional climax.

Simon Crooks of Empire also praised the film, calling it frightening, thrilling and distinctive. Other reviewers were less impressed.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety gave the film a negative review, while David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter criticised its approach to emotional drama. Jacob Oller of AV Club also questioned the balance between grotesque spectacle and flashback driven storytelling.

The divided response suggests Whalefall may appeal most to viewers who enjoy unusual survival stories, body horror and emotionally charged family narratives.

The film is rated PG 13 and is scheduled to open in cinemas nationwide on October 16, 2026, following preview screenings on October 15. Its Rotten Tomatoes score remains subject to change as further reviews arrive.