In the Heart of the Sea, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and Tom Holland, has reached the top of Netflix's most-watched list. The film arrived on the streaming service last Thursday, 5 November, and has since become the platform's most popular title.
Real-Life Whaling Disaster
The picture adapts Nathaniel Philbrick's 2000 nonfiction book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, which recounts the true story of an American whaling vessel that sank in 1820. The disaster shocked the 19th-century public and served as the main real-world inspiration for Herman Melville's renowned 1851 novel Moby-Dick.
Set in 1820, the film follows the ship's crew as they face grave danger after encountering an enormous albino bull sperm whale at sea, fighting desperately to survive against overwhelming odds.
Cast and Crew
Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy plays second mate Matthew Joy, while Tom Holland portrays cabin boy Thomas Nickerson. Chris Hemsworth takes the role of Owen Chase, joined by Benjamin Walker as Captain Pollard, Ben Whisham as Herman Melville and Michelle Fairley as Mrs Nickerson.
In the Heart of the Sea reached cinemas in December 2015, directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Charles Leavitt. Brian Grazer, Will Ward, Joe Roth, Paula Weinstein and Howard produced the film.
Viewer Response
Since its release, the film has drawn considerable praise on Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer wrote: "Freaking awesome true story," while another commented: "A great adaptation of a true story...worth a watch." A third added: "Amazing movie! Love the story and the effects! Totally worth it."
Another viewer remarked: "A movie that doesn't pull any punches. It outright impales your soul, forcing you to think about humanity's place in this world, and how insignificant we really are. The tutor, a very angry 100ft spermwhale."
One viewer compared the novel with the film, noting: "I read the novel In the Heart of the Sea when it came out 24 years ago. The book was excellent. I resisted watching this movie as there is no way the movie could capture the narrative of the story. I watched the movie today and I was correct. The movie, however, is pretty good overall as a standalone prospect, but lacks the depth of the suffering they endured."
In the Heart of the Sea is streaming now on Netflix.
