During the film, the audience learns that the relationship that Charlie seeks to have with Ellie is forbidden by his ex-wife, Mary (Samantha Morton).

When Mary confronts Charlie about his newfound relationship with Ellie, even though it’s an arrangement of sorts, he’s apologetic about his failures as a father but not about his sexuality.

While Mary believes that Charlie has done harm to the family, she also believes that Ellie has done even more damage through her recent actions.

We learn that she’s been bullying people through an online Facebook page — she posts pictures of Charlie to the site as well and sends pictures of a former addict named Thomas to his family and people at his church.

Throughout the film, there’s almost a perfect storm of negative occurrences in Charlie’s life that continuously lead him on the path of binge eating and worsening his physical and mental health.

However, despite all of that, by the time he passes, he is content with the fact that he was able to be unapologetically himself with those around him at the end and share a quiet moment with his daughter.

Be sure to check out Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-worthy performance in The Whale in theaters now.