The film possesses a great historical plot, but poor acting and direction had almost drowned the ship. This movie definitely needed a notable lead actor, or at least a notable director; both could’ve saved each other. The film begins with much hoo-ha which makes the audience feel as though it’s not going to be a sober plot. But, as the movie goes further, the audience starts realizing the soberness of the plot. You need to have a little patience.
Storyline: Author Herman Melville visits Thomas Nickerson, the lone survivor of a great ship disaster in 1850. He tries to persuade Thomas to tell him his story offering him money, but Thomas declines, maybe due to the past abomination. Meanwhile, his wife comes and convinces to tell his story for the sake of the money, as they needed it so much.
Thomas tells his story of his young as when he joined the prestigious whaling ship Essax as a novice. He was pretty much impressed by Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), the first officer, next to the captain. And Chase is the hero of the film. He shows his energy, mastery and the skills on the ship and wins the heart of his fellow members, but his captain, Pollard. Pollard acted sober, and tried hard to keep his authoritarian position. The ship sails further with the commotions until they come across the whales and start hunting them for their lucrative oil. But there were not enough whale and their oil vessels were almost empty. So they decide to go further in the sea despite the warnings about the giant whales. And this adventure turns out to be deadly, as a giant whale, as big as the ship, chases them and destroyed their ship. Some of the sailors die, others survive in their boats. Now, they are in the heart of the sea; they have no idea of their location without maps and compass.
With little water and food in the sea, they are left to their fate. To stay alive some decide to cannibalize the dead mates. As many days passed, their boats with skeletons and sickly bodies were found and rescued by civilization. In the meantime the author connects with Thomas emotionally and shares his weaknesses as a writer and praises Thomas’s courage.
Positives: Despite a stumbling beginning and seasoned actors the movie manages to engross the audience till the end. The second-half of the film was more balanced. Surely, the visual effects were captivating and enchanting. The film is packed with catchy dialogues. The language doesn’t falter.
Negatives: Lack of seasoned actors and the director seems to be struggling throughout the movie. Chris Hemsworth is a handsome actor, who needs to work on his acting skills. The music score was not as inspiring as the survival efforts.
