Prime Video just added an an underrated action-adventure movie with Chris Hemsworth — and it’s based on a true story

Opinion
By published

‘In the Heart of the Sea’ captures a fascinating era in American history

Chris Hemsworth as Owen Chase in "In the Heart of the Sea"
(Image credit: Warner Bros. / Alamy / AJ Pics)

The best thing about some of the top streaming services is that movies that didn’t perform well and have since been forgotten can often find a new lease on life once they’re added to a popular platform. Back in January, Netflix added the underrated action-adventure “In the Heart of the Sea,” and it quickly claimed the No. 1 spot. Now that Prime Video has added the same title to its library, there’s a strong chance the movie could find another wave of success.

“In the Heart of the Sea” is not a great movie, but it’s also far from a bad one. It’s a fairly standard adventure fare, elevated by a talented cast and impressive visuals that help offset its more noticeable flaws. I still believe this movie deserved a better run at the box office because, in the 10 years since its release, it has faded into the darkest corners of obscurity and is mostly remembered only when it resurfaces on streaming platforms (and I’d bet many viewers haven’t even heard of it).

Based on a remarkable true story, “In the Heart of the Sea” still remains a compelling watch over a decade later. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist.

What is ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ about?

In the Heart of the Sea - Final Trailer [HD] - YouTube In the Heart of the Sea - Final Trailer [HD] - YouTube
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“In the Heart of the Sea” follows the harrowing true‑story voyage of the Nantucket whaling ship Essex in 1820, as recounted decades later by Thomas Nickerson to author Herman Melville. Young Nickerson (Tom Holland) joins the Essex as a cabin boy under veteran first mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker).

After months at sea without success, the crew pushes farther west and encounters a massive sperm whale that viciously attacks and sinks the Essex, leaving the crew adrift in three small boats. With dwindling supplies and hope, the sailors, including Matthew Joy (Cillian Murphy) and others, face brutal storms and hunger as they attempt to reach land. The ordeal tests each man’s courage and endurance.

‘In the Heart of the Sea’ deserves more attention

Tom Holland in "In the Heart of the Sea" (2015)

(Image credit: Alamy / TCD / Prod.DB)

Seeing the movie’s low Rotten Tomatoes score might put some viewers off, but those numbers don’t always determine whether a title is worth streaming. On the surface, “In the Heart of the Sea” may look like Thor and Spider-Man battling a whale in a strange alternate Marvel universe, but it’s actually a gripping and surprisingly emotional retelling of a true story.

For those who aren’t familiar: on November 20, 1820, while sailing from Nantucket, Massachusetts, the 20-man crew was rammed and sunk by a massive sperm whale about 2,000 miles from land in the Pacific Ocean. The crew escaped into three small whaleboats with limited supplies but were far from any safe harbor. After weeks adrift they reached Henderson Island, where some stayed while others set out again hoping for rescue. With food and water running out, the castaways endured starvation and dehydration, and eventually resorted to cannibalism to survive. Their plight was the basis for the classic novel "Moby Dick."

While this movie doesn’t show the raw nature of those events in full, and often shies away from truly making viewers uncomfortable in order to appeal to a broader audience, it’s still a gorgeously shot experience that pits man against beast on the open ocean.

Chris Hemsworth as Owen Chase in "In the Heart of the Sea"

(Image credit: Alamy / Moviestore Collection Ltd)

“In the Heart of the Sea” is compelling enough to keep you watching, but Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard doesn’t take the risks needed to make it truly impactful. Much of the movie’s lack of success stems from a hollowness at its core, an odd sense of politeness in a story meant to capture, on an epic scale, humanity’s most brutal struggle with nature and itself. I truly believe this action-adventure should’ve been made into a horror story for better effect.

The movie does wrestle with opposing emotions. On one hand, it’s difficult not to sympathize with the whales, particularly the enormous sperm whale that attacks the ship in an effort to defend its own. On the other, the crew’s slow descent into exhaustion and confusion makes them just as easy to root for. As they’re pushed further into isolation, the connections between the men deepen, becoming more tragic with each passing day at sea. Despite its mixed reception, the movie remains a worthwhile watch.

Keep in mind that “In the Heart of the Sea” runs just over two hours, plenty of time for an entertaining evening, especially if you’re looking for a break from the usual festive fare.

Stream "In the Heart of the Sea" on Prime Video now.

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Alix Blackburn
Alix Blackburn
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. 


Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. 


She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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