This study examined Charlie and Ellie’s coping mechanisms to deal with stress and its impact on their life goals in “The Whale” film. The study examined real-life mental health through a film. In addition, the study promoted mental health awareness. This thesis addressed two issues. Firstly, “What coping mechanisms do Charlie and Ellie employ in “The Whale”?” Secondly, “How do the differences of Charlie and Ellie’s coping mechanisms impact their individual quests for a better life, as viewed through the lens of psychological realism?” This study aimed to examine Charlie and Ellie’s stress coping mechanisms and their impact on their goals using a psychology realism perspective. It employed document analysis and a psychological approach to coping mechanisms based on Lazarus and Folkman’s model. Stuart and Sundeen further categorized coping mechanisms as adaptive and maladaptive. The research showed that maladaptive coping dominates both characters, leading to Charlie’s health problems and Ellie’s academic failure. The film ended with Charlie dying due to health issues, so the positive connection with Ellie came too late. Meanwhile, Ellie, who disliked school, still aspired to graduate but fails. Their quest for a better life hinged on being able to confront them in healthier ways. However, they used unhealthy coping mechanisms more than healthy ones. The study concluded that relying on unhealthy coping methods hindered a better life.