Just as real humpback whales make their annual migration along Australia’s southern coast, a very special whale is swimming onto the big screen. The Last Whale Singer arrives in Australian cinemas on 24 September, timing perfectly with the school holidays and our own whale watching season.
This animated feature tells the story of Vincent, a teenage humpback whale carrying a heavy burden. As the orphaned son of the last Whale Singer, whose magical song once protected all the world’s oceans, Vincent is expected to step into his father’s role. But grief and self-doubt have left him questioning whether he has what it takes.
An epic underwater journey
When the monstrous Leviathan escapes from a melting iceberg and threatens all marine life with its poisonous ink, Vincent faces an impossible choice. Rather than trusting his own abilities, he embarks on a perilous journey to the deepest point of the sea. His plan? To reach the mythical Star Pool and bring his parents back from the beyond, hoping his father can defeat the Leviathan in his place.
It’s the kind of logic that makes perfect sense when you’re young and scared and missing your parents desperately. And it’s a premise that will resonate with children navigating their own big feelings about growing up and finding their place in the world.
An unlikely crew
Vincent doesn’t make this journey alone. He’s joined by Walter, his finicky remora fish nanny who provides plenty of comic relief, and Darya, a brave deaf orca who proves that courage comes in many forms. Together, this unlikely trio must navigate the ocean’s dangers while Vincent slowly discovers that the song he’s searching for has been inside him all along.
The inclusion of Darya as a deaf character brings meaningful representation to the screen. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing will see themselves reflected in a character who is brave, capable and central to the story’s success.
Themes that matter
Beneath the stunning underwater visuals and adventure-packed plot, The Last Whale Singer explores themes that families can discuss long after the credits roll. Self-belief, grief, environmental stewardship and the courage to find your own voice are woven throughout the narrative.
The environmental message feels particularly timely. With the Leviathan emerging from a melting iceberg, the film gently introduces younger viewers to concepts around climate change and ocean conservation without being heavy-handed. It’s a springboard for conversations about why protecting our oceans matters.
Perfect timing for Adelaide families
The September release couldn’t be better timed for South Australian families. Not only does it land right in the school holidays, but it coincides with the peak of the southern right whale and humpback whale migration season along our coast. Between August and October, these magnificent creatures travel past the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Nullarbor and the Great Australian Bight.
Consider pairing your cinema outing with some real-life whale watching. Victor Harbor and the Encounter Coast offer some of the best land-based viewing spots in the country. After watching Vincent’s animated journey, seeing an actual humpback breach in the wild takes on a whole new magic.
What you need to know
- Release date: Wednesday 24 September 2025
- Perfect for: Primary school-aged children and families
- Themes: Self-belief, courage, friendship, ocean conservation
- Running time: Check local cinema listings for session times
Mark The Last Whale Singer in your school holiday plans. It’s shaping up to be the kind of film that sparks imagination, prompts meaningful conversations and might just inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
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