Whistle: A Familiar Horror Trope Gets a Surprisingly Pleasing Spin
The new horror movie Whistle on paper checks off all the familiar boxes. Its heroine is the new kid in school with a dark past, its antagonist is a cursed object that systematically eliminates its victims, and the third act involves the teenagers trying to unravel the mystery behind their impending doom. However, when executed well, even the most predictable retread can be enjoyable, and fortunately, Whistle delivers.
The cast, led by Dafne Keen as Chrys, a complex and guarded high school student, is the key to making this story work. Keen brings her signature intensity to the role, infusing it with vulnerability and an air of menace that makes Chrys both relatable and terrifying. The supporting cast, including Jhaleil Swaby, Ali Skovbye, and Sophie Nélisse, deliver solid performances that elevate the film's tense atmosphere.
Once the cursed whistle comes into play, director Corin Hardy ramps up the tension to a relentless level, recalling the anticipation of It Follows and the creative splatter of a well-executed horror scene. The script by Owen Egerton doesn't delve too deeply into the mythology behind the whistle, but Michelle Fairley's character brings some much-needed gravitas and expertise.
While Whistle never truly shakes off its familiar tropes, it is at its best when staging its gruesome death scenes, delivering a sense of unpredictability that keeps viewers on edge. Even when the film attempts to introduce new elements, like the budding romance between Chrys and Ellie or the sinister youth preacher, they often feel forced or underdeveloped.
Despite some predictability, Whistle proves itself to be an enjoyable horror experience, with standout performances and clever direction making it a worthwhile watch. If you're looking for a fun fright fest that doesn't worry too much about originality, Whistle is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to stick around for the mid-credits scene.
The new horror movie Whistle on paper checks off all the familiar boxes. Its heroine is the new kid in school with a dark past, its antagonist is a cursed object that systematically eliminates its victims, and the third act involves the teenagers trying to unravel the mystery behind their impending doom. However, when executed well, even the most predictable retread can be enjoyable, and fortunately, Whistle delivers.
The cast, led by Dafne Keen as Chrys, a complex and guarded high school student, is the key to making this story work. Keen brings her signature intensity to the role, infusing it with vulnerability and an air of menace that makes Chrys both relatable and terrifying. The supporting cast, including Jhaleil Swaby, Ali Skovbye, and Sophie Nélisse, deliver solid performances that elevate the film's tense atmosphere.
Once the cursed whistle comes into play, director Corin Hardy ramps up the tension to a relentless level, recalling the anticipation of It Follows and the creative splatter of a well-executed horror scene. The script by Owen Egerton doesn't delve too deeply into the mythology behind the whistle, but Michelle Fairley's character brings some much-needed gravitas and expertise.
While Whistle never truly shakes off its familiar tropes, it is at its best when staging its gruesome death scenes, delivering a sense of unpredictability that keeps viewers on edge. Even when the film attempts to introduce new elements, like the budding romance between Chrys and Ellie or the sinister youth preacher, they often feel forced or underdeveloped.
Despite some predictability, Whistle proves itself to be an enjoyable horror experience, with standout performances and clever direction making it a worthwhile watch. If you're looking for a fun fright fest that doesn't worry too much about originality, Whistle is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to stick around for the mid-credits scene.