In the Heart of the Sea is exactly the kind of sentimental populist Hollywoodised claptrap that Howard is famous for and most of it grates more than entertains. After Life of Pi, which so beautifully established the metaphor for cannibalism on a stowaway raft, and the first act of Unbroken which captured a true story of being cast away at sea and then becoming a prisoner of war, In the Heart of the Sea seems like an unnecessary add on to an already consumed meal.

…a beautifully made film that shows us humanity at its best and worst. Featuring commendable performances, breathtaking visuals and a noteworthy script, it is a must watch this weekend.

The film is watchable as a big screen, popcorn-cola experience, but it fails to go beyond a plain sea movie, being unable to dig into the rich and dense material of the original story.

After some dubious-looking computer-generated backdrops in the opening scenes set in Nantucket, the special effects team kicks into gear once the Essex enters the water. The battle between the whale and the humans has the unfortunate effect of creating empathy for the mammal, which appears rightfully outraged at the repeated attacks on members of its pod. After the mammal has done its work, the story floats as aimlessly as the castaways, counting down to the inevitable return home. The cast performs efficiently, but they are dwarfed in every way possible by Moby Dick’s inspiration.