The Whale
Synopsis
An elderly Tom Nickerson recounts his experiences as a cabin boy aboard ‘The Essex’, a whaler that set sail from Nantucket in 1819 under Captain George Pollard. Despite romantic expectations, Tom’s view of life at sea is shattered by storms, a food shortage, and rising tensions between Captain Pollard and first mate Owen Chase. After a vengeful whale sinks the ship, the crew faces a gruelling 2,000-mile journey to Peru, resulting in only five survivors being rescued ninety days later. The end-title reveals the fates of Tom, Pollard, and Chase.
Production Info
Released
2013
Directed
Alrick Riley
Starring
John Boyega
Charles Furness
Jolyon Coy
The Whale Scenes on Gozo
The crew of the Essex make for land. Dragging the row boat on to Wied il-Għasri beach. Evening camp fire on Wied il-Għasri beach. Exploring Tal-Mixta Cave. The cliffs of Gozo.
Watch Trailer for The Whale
The Whale Locations Map
Did you Know
The story of The Whale was inspired by the ‘Essex Incident’ of 1820, the same incident that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.
🎬 Explore Gozo’s Film Locations in One Day
Loved this production? My new Gozo in a Day: Film & TV Location Guide helps you turn Gozo’s screen history into a real day out, with a practical route through Victoria, Dwejra and Mġarr Harbour, plus colour photos, maps and useful stop-by-stop notes.