Kojima says Whalefall ruined eating squid
The art of horror is often messy, but sometimes it delivers a lesson so profound it changes your perspective entirely. For film auteur Hideo Kojima, the recent deep dive into the cinematic world of Whalefall provided exactly that kind of profound realization—though it came with a side effect that struck him as equally significant: a sudden, dramatic change in dietary preferences.
Whalefall focuses on a harrowing scenario: Austin Abrams’ Jay Gardiner races against the clock to escape as a scuba diver is swallowed by a massive 80-foot sperm whale. The film masterfully blends visceral terror with a deep exploration of familial bonds, anchored by the real-life tragedy of the source material, Daniel Kraus’s novel. Director Brian Duffield reportedly spent countless hours studying graphic autopsy videos to ensure the depiction of the beached sperm whales was as accurate as possible, lending the visual experience a disturbing authenticity.
Kojima, known for weaving complex narratives across film and gaming, found this cinematic exploration of the natural world to be equally compelling. He praised the movie as a literary work that tackled the symbiotic relationship between whales and humans within the marine ecosystem, layered with the emotional weight of a father-son dynamic. He noted that the visual effects were simply outstanding, setting a high bar for immersive storytelling.
This cinematic immersion resonates deeply with Kojima’s lifelong fascination with marine life. He openly admitted that he loves whales, a passion that naturally bleeds into his game design. Whales frequently feature in his extensive catalogue, from the monstrous digital entity in Metal Gear Solid 2, which features a whale swallowing digital information, to the presence in Metal Gear Solid 5 and Death Stranding. This affinity stems from an earlier curiosity, tracing back to his elementary school research into whale ecology.
For Kojima, the whale isn’t just a creature; it’s a powerful symbol within the marine ecosystem and a source of awe. His work frequently echoes the epic scope of nature, often referencing classics like Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, reinforcing the idea that the relationship between humans and the immense world around them is a constant theme.
Beyond the immediate impact of Whalefall, Kojima’s cinematic interests continue to evolve. He recently shared his thoughts on other horror media, noting that in films like Resident Evil, the focus shifts from pure action to the sheer experience of playing the game itself—a relentless barrage of classic horror techniques rather than just a plot.
Whether exploring the vastness of the ocean or the terror of cinematic horror, Kojima’s focus remains on synthesizing disparate elements—be it film and gaming, or literature and biology—into something new. From his upcoming projects, including the Death Stranding movie adaptation and the OD horror anthology, to the cutting-edge interactive espionage game Physint, he continues to push the boundaries of what digital entertainment can be.
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