Patrick and the Whale

2022

1h 12m

Documentary

List

75%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

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.

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Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

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

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 21, 2024

Full Review

Kristy Strouse

Film Inquiry

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.

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

Alex Heeney

Seventh Row

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.

Sep 21, 2022

Full Review

Shane Slater

Awards Radar

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

Rated: 3/4

Sep 20, 2022

Full Review

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

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.

Sep 20, 2022

Full Review

Christopher Cross

Tilt Magazine

In Mark Fletcher’s Patrick and the Whale, a connection and a thirst for understanding thread together impressive footage of various species of whales – with the acknowledgment that there’s so much more below the surface.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 11, 2022

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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: Dinah Czezik-Müller, Michael Frenschkowski, Alexander Nanau, James Reed
Production Co: Terra Mater Studios
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 12m

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