In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. This real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, but Melville's book only told half the story. Experience the harrowing aftermath, as the pummeled crew battle storms, starvation, and despair, and the men are forced to do the unthinkable in order to survive. Oscar© - winning filmmaker Ron Howard directs this astonishing true story based on the best-selling book by Natahaniel Phillbrick. Chris Hemsworth stars as the vessel's veteran first mate and Benjamin Walker is the ship's less than-experienced captain.