Warning: This article contains discussions on death and cannibalism.
In the Heart of the Sea narrates the astounding true events surrounding the demise of the Essex whaling ship in 1821. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, and Benjamin Walker, the film brings to life characters rooted in history. Upon its initial release in 2015, it garnered mixed reviews; however, its popularity has surged on Netflix, introducing new audiences to this harrowing tale.
While the film concludes with a glimpse into the fates of the survivors, it inevitably omits some shocking details that heighten the story’s gravity. Although the film effectively showcases关键点 from the real-life narrative, it glosses over elements that could have provided additional shock value.
8 Herman Melville’s Inspiration Came From Owen Chase’s Book
The Film Shows Melville Talking to Thomas Nickerson Instead
The narrative of In the Heart of the Sea depicts Herman Melville, portrayed as an elderly man, engaging with Thomas Nickerson (played by Brendan Gleeson) to recount his harrowing experiences aboard the Essex. This encounter is meant to illustrate the connection between the Essex and Melville’s renowned novel, Moby-Dick. Yet, the crux of Melville’s inspiration derived more from Owen Chase’s account—published shortly after returning to Nantucket—rather than Nickerson’s later writings, which did not emerge until decades afterward, well past the publication of Moby-Dick in 1851. Although the film’s basis is Nathaniel Philbrick’s book, it weaves in elements from Nickerson’s account, contributing to the narrative complexity.
7 Both Captain George Pollard Jr. and First Mate Owen Chase Had Sailed on the Essex Before
The Ship Was Considered Lucky
The film introduces tension between George Pollard and Owen Chase, presenting them as adversaries due to a promised captaincy. However, historically, they sailed aboard the Essex together from 1817 to 1819, Pollard serving as first mate and Chase as a crew member. Their previous camaraderie is underscored by the ship’s reputation as lucky, stemming from a series of successful whaling voyages as documented by the Nantucket Historical Association.
Additionally, while the film implies that the storm-related damage resulted from their discord, in reality, they were familiar with each other’s expertise. Chase, a local of Nantucket, was depicted in a misleading light, transforming him into a foreign figure. This portrayal detracts from understanding their pre-existing working relationship and the rich history shared prior to the disaster.
6 The Essex Lost Two Whaleboats In a Storm in the Gulf Stream
During a pivotal storm scene, Pollard and Chase clash over navigation tactics, with Pollard advocating for a course through the tempest. This ultimately leads to significant damage to the Essex. The film suggests that the crew manages repairs post-storm; however, it woefully omits the critical information that the Essex lost two smaller whaleboats in the storm and sustained further damage to another. Even though the crew procured a new whaleboat during a stop in the Azores, they remained short-handed, compromised in their resources for survival.
The omission of the whaleboat losses simplifies the narrative yet overlooks how these vessels could have been instrumental in salvage operations—elements reminiscent of the Titanic’s infamous lack of adequate lifeboats.
5 While The Essex Sank, the Crew Spent 2 Days Salvaging Materials including Navigational Equipment
The Process Was Much Longer Than the Movie Shows
Contrary to the rapid evacuation depicted in the film, the crew of the Essex labored for two days salvaging essential materials before abandoning ship. This extended effort allowed them to secure two sets of navigational tools—critical for charting their course amid dire conditions. The initial supplies of food and water stowed aboard the whaleboats were insufficient, but they maximized their chances with the salvaged items.
It is worth noting that Matthew Joy’s boat lacked any navigational aids, forcing the crew to maintain sight of each other, which they managed for some time. Their salvaged materials also improved the overall safety of their precarious circumstances, as documented by the Nantucket Historical Association.
4 Matthew Joy Died at Sea and His Boat Was Taken Over by Obed Hendricks
A Washed-Up Boat with 4 Skeletons Was Later Assumed to Be Hendricks’
Unlike the film portrayal of Matthew Joy dying on the island, historical accounts indicate he passed away at sea after enduring a week on Henderson Island. Despite resources being available, the crew faced immense challenges; ultimately, Joy succumbed to illness on January 10, 1821, and was laid to rest in the ocean. Following his death, Obed Hendricks took charge of Joy’s whaleboat but soon lost navigation capabilities.
On January 29, 1821, Hendricks’ boat parted ways from Pollard’s crew. Later, a boat containing four skeletons washed ashore at Ducie Island, where it was mistakenly believed to be a previous landing point rather than Henderson Island, leading to the assumption that this was Hendricks’ fate.
3 The Cannibalism Was Much Worse Than the Movie Presents
7 Crew Members Were Cannibalized
Understandably, director Ron Howard chose not to delve deeply into the graphic realities of cannibalism in In the Heart of the Sea. Among the 20 crew members, only five survived the ordeal after 17 men departed Henderson Island. Tragically, most of those who perished at sea were cannibalized by their fellow sailors.
Initial consumption involved deceased crew members. However, the situation escalated when Owen Coffin, Pollard’s cousin, was chosen to be sacrificed after drawing lots. The film dramatizes this event differently, as Pollard initially refuses to sacrifice Coffin, adhering to consensual acceptance, which is a stark contrast to the film’s depiction.
2 Chase, Nickerson, and Lawrence Were Found on February 18
The film closes with the harrowing rescue, although the actual circumstances were even grimmer. Chase’s boat, with Nickerson and Benjamin Lawrence, was discovered off the coast of Chile on February 18, 1821, after an agonizing 91 days adrift. Pollard and 15-year-old Charles Ramsdell were located three days later, after an astonishing 96 days at sea. The survivors’ conditions were dire, requiring assistance from their rescuers due to extreme weakness and near-starvation.
The subsequent reunion on March 17, 1821, marked a bittersweet return, with Pollard enduring further delay in returning to Nantucket. While the film captures the physical frailty, it fails to fully convey the psychological toll endured by the survivors—an aspect powerfully exhibited in the performances of the cast.
1 Pollard Captained Another Ship After the Essex, But It Sank Too
He Was Considered Cursed
Pollard’s subsequent return to the sea, as depicted at the film’s conclusion, reveals a tragic twist: after 1822, the next ship he captained also met a similarly disastrous fate. This led to a growing belief that he was cursed, forcing his retirement from sea life. Fortunately, the crew onboard his second ship survived the mishap and were rescued the following day.
Upon retiring, Pollard returned to Nantucket, eventually passing away at the age of 78. His story, although punctuated by tragedy, illustrates the remarkable resilience exhibited by him and the other survivors. While In the Heart of the Sea inevitably omits some details of the narrative, it does succeed in highlighting the extraordinary courage of those who endured this unfathomable ordeal.
For further details, you can explore comprehensive resources provided by the Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Historical Association, and Nantucket Historical Association.
Source: Screen Rant
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