Whalefall Reviews Land at 73% on Rotten Tomatoes
Brian Duffield's survival thriller Whalefall opens at 73% on Rotten Tomatoes from 78 reviews, with critics praising Austin Abrams' grounded lead turn.
The first reviews for Whalefall have landed, giving the survival thriller a 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews, according to ScreenRant. The film opens in theaters on October 16, 2026.
Critics singled out Austin Abrams' grounded performance as Jay Gardiner as a highlight, with the actor's work anchoring the film's more intense stretches. Josh Brolin plays Mitt Gardiner, with Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy and Emily Rudd rounding out the supporting cast.
Some reviewers pointed to tonal issues between the film's flashbacks and its intense action sequences, as well as dark visuals that were difficult to see. ScreenRant's Liz Declan found the concept failed to deliver narratively despite Abrams' standout performance.
The score makes Whalefall director and co-writer Brian Duffield's fourth-highest-rated movie. His previous films Spontaneous (96%), Love and Monsters (94%) and No One Will Save You (82%) rate above it. Duffield co-wrote the film with Daniel Kraus, author of the 2023 novel on which it is based.
Whalefall is projected to open to $10 million to $12 million domestically, just behind Street Fighter. The film reunites Brolin with Abrams after the success of Weapons last year; Abrams is coming off Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, which scored 96%, while Brolin's earlier 2026 film The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott, scored 41%.
Quick answers
What is Whalefall's Rotten Tomatoes score?
Whalefall debuted at 73% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews.
When does Whalefall release in theaters?
Whalefall opens on October 16, 2026.
Who directed Whalefall?
Brian Duffield directed and co-wrote the film with Daniel Kraus, author of the 2023 novel.