In the depths (Whalefall) is a 2026 American adventure horror thriller film directed by Brian Duffield from a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Daniel Kraus. The film is set to be released in the United States on October 16, 2026.
With its first trailer, the film "„In the depths“", based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Kraus, is attracting huge attention thanks to its unusual and frightening concept - a young diver is swallowed by a giant sperm whale and has only one hour of oxygen to find a way to survive.
The main character, Jay Gardiner, dives off the coast of California in search of his father's remains. What begins as a personal and emotional journey quickly turns into a survival nightmare. During his descent, Jay is caught in a chaotic battle between a giant squid and a massive sperm whale. In a bizarre and terrifying series of events, he is swallowed by the creature and trapped inside its body with limited oxygen. Isolated in complete darkness and facing certain death, Jay is forced to rely not only on his knowledge and skills, but also on the memories of the lessons his father taught him. The struggle for physical survival gradually turns into an emotional journey of coming to terms with the past.
Brian Duffield, known for his work on unconventional genre productions, chooses to turn the absurd-sounding idea into a serious story of loss, guilt and survival. Instead of focusing solely on spectacle, the director uses the extreme situation as a means of exploring the relationship between a father and son. The film combines claustrophobic tension, adventure elements and psychological drama. Early reactions to the trailer show that the production manages to evoke a strong sense of anxiety and discomfort, which will likely be one of its main weapons.
Austin Abrams is at the center of the story as Jay Gardiner. The role requires much of the film to be carried almost entirely by his presence and emotional conviction, making it one of the most challenging of his career to date.
Josh Brolin plays Mitt Gardiner – Jay's father, whose figure is constantly present through memories and emotional connections. Elizabeth Shu appears as Zara Gardiner, and Jane Levy and Emily Rudd complement the family story that underlies the plot.
Other participants include: John Ortiz, Grayson Paul Solomine and Sam Franic.
„In the depths“" seems like one of the most unusual genre titles of 2026. At first glance, the concept sounds like pure fantasy or even an absurd adventure story, but behind it lies a story about family relationships, grief and the fight for a second chance. If the film manages to recreate the power of the novel and the tension hinted at in the opening shots, it has the potential to become one of the most memorable thriller experiences of the year. The combination of psychological drama, extreme survival and an unusual premise makes it one of the most intriguing upcoming titles.
