“Whalefall,” released in theaters this month through 20th Century Studios, follows a young diver named Jay who is accidentally swallowed by a whale and must escape before his oxygen supply runs out. Director Brian Duffield oversaw the production of the survival thriller, which presented significant technical and creative obstacles.
The film’s central setting—the whale’s stomach—required construction of a highly constrained practical set measuring approximately 360 degrees with only limited camera access points. The set incorporated water, internal lighting rigs, and rocking gimbal machinery, leaving minimal space for crew and equipment. Actor Austin Abrams performed scenes inside this confined environment while wearing an actual oxygen tank, necessitating precise positioning and creating challenges for communication between the actor and director. Visiting filmmakers reportedly expressed bewilderment upon observing the unconventional setup and filming methods employed.
Duffield developed the project after encountering the source material online. He read an advance copy of the 2023 novel by Daniel Kraus and subsequently collaborated with Kraus on the screenplay. Duffield cited the desire to create something unprecedented as a primary motivation, noting he sought a substantial creative challenge to push himself and his established production team. His previous directorial efforts include “Spontaneous” and “No One Will Save You,” both emphasizing high-concept premises alongside emotional depth.
Beyond the survival narrative, the film explores a fractured father-son relationship between Jay and his deceased estranged father Mitt, portrayed by Josh Brolin. This emotional throughline anchors the story, with Duffield reflecting on how the relationship dynamics became central to the material’s appeal. Duffield emphasized the importance of collaborative filmmaking, attributing success to his ability to assemble talented crew members and foster an environment conducive to creative problem-solving. All personnel involved in production completed the shoot without injury.
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