Upcoming A24 drama The Whale marks Darren Aronofsky's first directorial effort since Mother! in 2017. It also signals the beginning of actor Brendan Fraser's career resurgence, lovingly dubbed The Brenaissance by fans. Written by Samuel D. Hunter, and based on his play of the same name, the movie paints a sensitive portrait of a reclusive English teacher who struggles with severe obesity and a strained relationship with his teenage daughter.