The film is based on the 2000 non-fiction book of the same name by Nathaniel Philbrick, which tells the story of the Essex and its crew. The book and the film are inspired by the true events that took place on August 12, 1820, when the whaleship Essex set sail from Nantucket, Massachusetts. The ship was on a whaling expedition in the Pacific Ocean when it was attacked by a massive sperm whale. The whale's attack caused significant damage to the ship, leading to its eventual sinking.
, where the movie is frequently available for rent or purchase. Google Play Movies: The film is based on the 2000 non-fiction