Those with thalassophobia—a fear of deep bodies of water—might want to avoid the first teaser trailer for filmmaker Brian Duffield’s upcoming adaptation of “Whalefall.” The two-and-a-half-minute spot offers a terrifying look at what it’s like to be stalked and swallowed by a sperm whale. 

“Following the death of his father (Josh Brolin), Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams) goes diving off the central Coast of California in search of his remains, but is swallowed by a massive sperm whale,” a synopsis of the film says. “While trapped inside its belly with only one hour of oxygen left, Jay comes to realize that the hard-earned lessons his father imparted may be the key to his escape.”

“Whalefall” is an adaptation of the 2023 Daniel Kraus book by the same name. It also stars Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy and Emily Rudd. It hits theaters October 16. 

About the author

Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development.