IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
Directed by Ron Howard, the film is based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 non-fiction book of the same name about the sinking of the whaling ship the Essex in 1820, which inspired the Herman Melville’s renowned tale of Moby Dick.
With some creative licensing, this adventure-filled film tells the story leading up to, as well as more importantly what happened after, the sinking of the Essex by a mammoth sized whale. Told through an older Thomas Nickerson’s (Brendan Gleeson) narration to Melville (Ben Whishaw), the film follows the Essex and its crew; Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), George Pollard (Benjamin Walker), Matthew Joy (Cillian Murphy) and a younger Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland).
As the remaining crew go through the worst conditions possible when their ship is sunk by this almighty whale, they’re pushed to the extremes, having to make it through disastrous storms, starvation, despair and madness like no other. It’s terrifying and it has you on the edge of your seat, desperately hoping for the survival of all the crew members.
With incredible set detail, a hauntingly beautiful score, amazing special effects/CGI, artistically stunning colour-grading and the perfect pace, the film manages to check off all the criteria of a great film. (ASha)
****
