Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inuit teen finds love in coming-of-age drama; sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Whaler Boy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE WHALER BOY is about the coming-of-age journey of Leshka (Vladimir Onokhov), a 15-year-old Inuit whale hunter. He provides food for his Russian village residents, devotes himself to the care of his grandfather, and spends time with his friend Kolyan (Vladimir Lyubimtsev) riding a motorbike. But when internet service arrives in his community, Leshka takes a special interest. He soon becomes attracted to a young American woman named Hollysweet_999 (Kristina Asmus) who works in a webcam sex chat room, and he hopes to meet her one day.
Is It Any Good?
Vladimir Onokhov as Leshka gives a perfect portrayal of a young person coping with a mundane life in a remote part of the world and desiring more, including a webcam sex worker's love. "We don't have blondes like you in my village," he tells her in The Whaler Boy. "What city are you from?" Leshka sets out to find her and himself in director Philipp Yuryev's masterful cinematic mix that provides focus on the timely teen dialogue topics of social media, adolescent sexuality, and self-discovery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Leshka in The Whaler Boy. Why is this an important character strength?
In what ways does Leshka's courage and teamwork as a whale hunter help his community? What could he learn from working with skilled hunters?
How could Leshka's curiosity possibly lead him to risky online encounters? Why may it be important to monitor internet use by kids and teens?
What are commonly shared characteristics related to a teen coming of age? Is the filmmaker's depiction an accurate one? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 15, 2022
- Cast : Vladimir Onokhov , Kristina Asmus , Vladimir Lyubimtsev
- Director : Philipp Yuryev
- Studio : Film Movement
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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