Whalefall is the tense drama we’ve been waiting for. We had the chance to preview the full trailer for Whalefall in 4DX with 20th Century Studios.
The concept for Whalefall might be a story you’re familiar with. Directed by Brian Duffield, it’s based on the 2023 book by the same name by Daniel Kraus, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.
We follow the story of Jay Gardiner (played by Austin Abrams) as he’s swallowed by a sperm whale while diving with only one hour’s worth of oxygen left in his tank.
While we were able to enjoy this thrilling trailer during CinemaCon in April, the 4DX experience took it to another level. With water effects and moving seats, we were fully immersed in the sensations and visuals simultaneously being portrayed onscreen. The trailer itself shows the exact moment that Jay is swallowed by the sperm whale underwater.
Not only did we see the trailer as members of the audience, but some of the shots are from Gardiner’s POV, fully leaning into the immersive nature of the experience. It’s safe to say that when this film hits theaters, 4DX will be an ideal format to enjoy it.
After the screening, Duffield and Abrams spoke about their on-set camaraderie and how intense it was filming various underwater sequences. What became clear from their conversation was just how important the story’s exploration of relationships is, even within the broader story of being swallowed by a whale taking place.
Whalefall arrives in theaters on October 16.