The Whale Soundtrack: The Whale is a 2022 psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Samuel D. Hunter. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, and Hong Chau. It was released in the United States on December 21, 2022, and went on to win two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Fraser.
The original score was composed by Rob Simonsen, who also composed Netflix’s Good Grief Soundtrack.
The Whale Soundtrack was released digitally on December 9, 2022, under the A24 Music label. The total runtime of the album is 36 minutes and 39 seconds, featuring 14 tracks.
The music plays a deeply emotional role in the film. Instead of loud dramatic themes, the score uses soft orchestral swells, sustained strings, brass textures, and experimental woodwinds to reflect Charlie’s emotional isolation. Composer Rob Simonsen described the sound as “oceanic”, inspired by the film’s references to Moby-Dick, symbolizing a man lost at sea inside his own life.
One of the most unique instruments used in the score was a 21-foot overtone flute, along with a 19th-century pump organ, giving the music a hollow, spiritual, and almost floating quality.
Who Composed The Whale Soundtrack?
The soundtrack for The Whale (2022) was composed by Rob Simonsen, known for his emotionally charged scores in films like The Way Back and Tully.
His approach for The Whale marked a shift from Aronofsky’s previous collaborations with Clint Mansell, creating a score that merges classical techniques with modern, nuanced elements. Simonsen’s score beautifully complements the film’s intense emotional journey, reflecting the protagonist Charlie’s internal struggle and isolation through his unique “hybrid” style. The music integrates orchestral and digital sounds, evoking a sense of both heaviness and fragility, perfectly capturing the complexities of Charlie’s world.
The Whale Tracklist (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
All tracks composed by Rob Simonsen.
- Cloudless Skies – 1:11 (Plays during Charlie’s final virtual class sequence, setting a soft but emotionally heavy tone.)
- Overture – 1:48 (Introduces the film’s central emotional atmosphere as Charlie’s isolated world is revealed.)
- Life Boat – 2:07 (Accompanies intense conversations between Charlie and Liz, highlighting their complicated bond.)
- Deep Water – 3:01 (Underscores Charlie’s daily routine, including his physical struggles and moments of quiet reflection.)
- Gentle Waves – 1:41 (Used in softer domestic scenes, adding tenderness to Charlie’s vulnerable interactions.)
- Rigging – 1:53 (Plays during moments of physical strain and emotional tension inside the apartment.)
- Darting Distance – 1:37 (Scores a pivotal confrontation between Charlie and Ellie, emphasizing emotional distance.)
- Flare Gun – 1:04 (Heard during one of the film’s most intense dramatic moments, reflecting desperation and urgency.)
- Full Sail – 2:39 (Builds emotional momentum as Charlie attempts to reconnect with his daughter.)
- Storm Approaching – 4:17 (A swelling orchestral piece that signals rising emotional and physical crisis.)
- Midnight Storm – 2:51 (One of the most powerful tracks in the score, used during a devastating late-night scene of self-destruction.)
- Harpoon – 3:25 (Accompanies a deeply emotional turning point in Charlie’s journey.)
- God’s Rays – 5:09 (The emotional climax of the film, representing hope, forgiveness, and transcendence.)
- Safe Return – 3:52 (The closing end-credits track, offering a sense of quiet release and resolution.)
The standout track “Midnight Storm” was released as the lead single before the full album. Meanwhile, “Safe Return” serves as the emotional closing piece during the end credits, offering a feeling of spiritual release.
The Whale Musical Style & Emotional Impact
The soundtrack blends classical minimalism, chamber orchestra arrangements, and atmospheric textures. Instead of overpowering the performances, the music gently surrounds the scenes, especially during Charlie’s conversations with Ellie.
The use of microtonal string bending creates a subtle instability, mirroring Charlie’s fragile physical and emotional state. The result is a score that feels intimate, heavy, and deeply compassionate.
FAQs
Who composed The Whale soundtrack?
The score was composed by Rob Simonsen.
When was The Whale soundtrack released?
It was released digitally on December 9, 2022.
How many tracks are in The Whale soundtrack?
The album contains 14 tracks with a runtime of 36 minutes and 39 seconds.
Was the soundtrack nominated for awards?
Yes, it received nominations from film music organizations, including the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Where can you stream The Whale soundtrack?
The soundtrack is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
When was The Whale released, and where can you stream it?
The Whale was released in theaters in the United States on December 21, 2022, by A24.