The Whale

`The Whale', based on true events, tells a story of survival at sea. When American whaleship Essex left Nantucket, Massachusetts, in August 1819, the crew expected to go on a two-and-a-half-year whaling journey. That plan doesn't come to fruition, though, because the vessel is attacked by a sperm whale in November 1820, crushing the boat and causing it to sink thousands of miles off the coast of South America. The crew manage to escape the Essex on three fragile whalers but face a decision: head for the nearest islands or set out on a journey to reach the South American continent. The men choose the latter option, which is itself a dangerous option.