Netflix’s top 10 is constantly changing as new titles are added to the streaming service. For weeks, the thriller “Carry-On” held the top spot, but since Jan. 6, it has been overtaken by an unexpected contender: the underrated action-adventure film “In the Heart of the Sea.” Released ten years ago, this captivating tale is finally getting the recognition it deserves and is well worth checking out.
It’s always disappointing when films like this go unnoticed. In 2015, “In the Heart of the Sea” struggled at the box office, failing to recoup its $100 million budget and ultimately becoming a commercial failure. Critics were evenly divided, leaving it with a score of 42% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite these setbacks, the film offers more than its reception suggests.
Having revisited it recently, I can confidently say that “In the Heart of the Sea” is an underrated gem. While it’s not without its flaws, it delivers a tense and visually stunning experience that makes it a solid choice for your watchlist. Now that he’s back in the spotlight as Netflix’s new No. 1, here’s why you should give him a chance.
What is “In the Heart of the Sea” about?
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“In the Heart of the Sea” tells the true story that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, focusing on the harrowing voyage of the whaling ship Essex in 1820. Led by Captain George Pollard Jr. (Benjamin Walker) and his first mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), the crew embarks on a routine whaling expedition that turns disastrous when a huge, vengeful sperm whale sinks their ship.
Stranded thousands of miles from home, the crew faces starvation, dehydration and psychological torment, forcing them to make desperate and morally difficult decisions. The story is framed as a narrative by an older Thomas Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson), a former cabin boy on the Essex, as he shares his traumatic experience with a younger Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw), source of inspiration for Melville’s iconic novel.
“In the Heart of the Sea” is a heartbreaking maritime adventure
“In the Heart of the Sea” isn’t a perfect movie, and it’s probably not one you’ll watch over and over again. But the stunning cinematography and gripping story make it a thrilling experience, and I admit that I found myself completely glued to the screen throughout its runtime. At its core, it’s a maritime adventure focused on nature’s fightback.
What I really appreciate is that it reminds us of humanity’s never-ending thirst for discovery. It’s difficult to watch whaling scenes, especially when you realize how common the practice was, long before the practice was banned. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how humans once hunted whales for their oil, and that sense of brutality can be hard to stomach.
It’s a deeply conflicting film, because while it’s impossible not to feel sorrow for the whales (especially the enormous sperm whale who destroys the ship to protect his family), it’s just as difficult not to care of the crew as he becomes more and more delirious and tired. The bond that forms between them becomes sadder and sadder as their fate unfolds at sea.
The dramatic moments can feel a little over-the-top at times, and there are times where it almost feels like a big-budget school play with all the random navigational terms Hemsworth comes up with. But the action still remains exciting and the visuals make it even more engaging.
As I mentioned before, “In the Heart of the Sea” has its flaws. The accents are a little all over the place (Hemsworth slips between sounding like Thor and a native New Englander, which can be a little distracting). And while Tom Holland is a talented actor, this isn’t one of his strongest roles. Surprisingly, his acting skills are sort of relegated to the background.
The story can feel a little stiff at times, but the dynamic shots of the crew working on rigging and maintaining the boat make this film feel authentic and keep things lively enough. These moments of action and attention to detail really help make up for the slower parts of the plot.
Regardless, “In the Heart of the Sea” is still worth watching, and the critics who gave it a positive rating share the same thoughts as mine. Bruce Kirkland of the Toronto Sun said, “It’s put together like a beautiful period piece in period style, except for the modern special effects that make the close-ups of the whale look real.” But it is also a bridge to modern thought and a desperately exciting adventure story. »
Meanwhile, Chris Vognar of the Dallas Morning News said it was “everything you would expect and a little less.” It’s solid if rarely spectacular, engaging if rarely captivating. And these are takes I completely agree with.
Stream “In the Heart of the Sea” on Netflix Now
So, if you are looking for something exciting to watch, “In the Heart of the Sea” should be your next choice. While it may not have the highest ratings, I think it’s a solid watch, and this adventure film is still packed with thrills and character drama to keep you entertained for an evening. Just keep in mind that the runtime is approximately 122 minutes.
Don’t you feel it? Check out what else is coming to Netflix in January 2025. You can also check out Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western epic which also crashed into Netflix’s top 10 (it’s perfect for “Yellowstone” fans).
Stream “In the Heart of the Sea” on Netflix NOW.
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