Patrick and the Whale

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Patrick and the Whale

2022

1h 12m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

78%

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9 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

An inspiring and engaging tale of Patrick Dykstra and a sperm whale "Dolores." For years, Patrick Dykstra has dedicated his life to traveling the globe, following and diving with whales. Over the years, Patrick has learned how whales see and hear, how they perceive other creatures in the water and how they behave at close quarters. He has a finely tuned sense and knows how to act when within touching distance of a whale -- what to do, what not to do and when. This allows him to consistently get closer than anyone else alive -- a truly unique skill. Patrick recently experienced a life-changing event. In Dominica, he had a close encounter with a female sperm whale. She seemed to be curious about him, coming within touching distance, pulsing him with her sonar. She studied him as he studied her. Patrick felt an overwhelming sense that she was genuinely trying to communicate. We follow Patrick as he travels to Dominica again to find this special whale he named "Dolores" so she can help him show us the hidden world of her species. Using stunning underwater footage, Patrick explores the fascinating nature of the sperm whale, attempting to shine a light on its intelligence and complexity, as well as highlighting its current and past relationship with humankind. The film follows his personal journey and explores the psychology of a man who has sacrificed everything in his single-minded quest to connect with and understand one of the the biggest creatures in the ocean.

Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

02/21/2024

2.5/4

Patrick and the Whale lacks shape and purpose, and would benefit from probing scientific insights into the species.

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Louis Skye (Ronita Roy Mohan)

Women Write About Comics

Aug 20

I am delighted I watched Patrick & the Whale. It was such a glorious feast for my eyes. I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that such large creatures can roam the planet alongside us tiny mortals. This film reiterates how astounding a fact that is.

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Kristy Strouse

Film Inquiry

09/22/2022

Patrick and the Whale is a must-see for whale lovers, oceanic enthusiasts or anyone who wants to be swept up in a wonderous journey under the sea. A gorgeous documentary.

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Alex Heeney

Seventh Row

09/21/2022

Patrick and the Whale follows diver and whale lover Patrick Dykstra in his attempt to befriend the very social sperm whales. At first, he wants to learn more about them. Then, he decides he really wants to build relationships.

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Shane Slater

Awards Radar

09/20/2022

3/4

Plunges viewers deep into the depths of the ocean and in doing so, generates some of the most gorgeous underwater cinematography.

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Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

09/20/2022

The structure straight up lifts the framing device from My Octopus Teacher’s narrative. The direct address, moreover, is as self-serving here as Craig Foster’s interview in My Octopus Teacher.

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David R

Jan 16

Perhaps the best whale movie ever and on par with My Octopus Teacher. Simply wonderful.

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Mark Fletcher

Director

Patrick Dykstra

Self

Wolfgang Knöpfler

Producer

Walter Kohler

Producer

Dinah Czezik-Müller

Executive Producer

Michael Frenschkowski

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

An inspiring and engaging tale of Patrick Dykstra and a sperm whale "Dolores." For years, Patrick Dykstra has dedicated his life to traveling the globe, following and diving with whales. Over the years, Patrick has learned how whales see and hear, how they perceive other creatures in the water and how they behave at close quarters. He has a finely tuned sense and knows how to act when within touching distance of a whale -- what to do, what not to do and when. This allows him to consistently get closer than anyone else alive -- a truly unique skill. Patrick recently experienced a life-changing event. In Dominica, he had a close encounter with a female sperm whale. She seemed to be curious about him, coming within touching distance, pulsing him with her sonar. She studied him as he studied her. Patrick felt an overwhelming sense that she was genuinely trying to communicate. We follow Patrick as he travels to Dominica again to find this special whale he named "Dolores" so she can help him show us the hidden world of her species. Using stunning underwater footage, Patrick explores the fascinating nature of the sperm whale, attempting to shine a light on its intelligence and complexity, as well as highlighting its current and past relationship with humankind. The film follows his personal journey and explores the psychology of a man who has sacrificed everything in his single-minded quest to connect with and understand one of the the biggest creatures in the ocean.

Director: Mark Fletcher
Producer: Wolfgang Knöpfler, Walter Kohler
Production Co: Terra Mater Studios
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 12m

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