The Whale (2022)

A morbidly obese teacher (Brendan Fraser in his Oscar winning performance) teaches online courses where his students are not able to see him. He is in poor health but refuses to go to a hospital and his eating habits only contribute to his deteriorating condition. Based on the play by Samuel D. Hunter (who adapted his play for the screen) and directed by Darren Aronofsky (BLACK SWAN). Although the film received mixed reviews, I found it very moving and ultimately heartbreaking. I didn't find it "fatphobic" at all. Fraser gives a beautifully modulated performance and all the more impressive considering the heavy layers of prosthetics he had to act under. Fraser's character is empathetic but not without his human flaws and it's those flaws that make him real rather than a symbol. The acting is excellent all the way down the line and I found the underscore by Rob Simonsen quite effective. It's a difficult movie sit through but the emotional journey is well worth the effort. With Hong Chau (also Oscar nominated), Samantha Morton, Sadie Sink and Ty Simpkins.