Even though it does not do much more, Whistle builds an interesting supernatural threat that almost feels like retribution for colonialistic antics.
Whistle is a typical teenage horror film, but it has some fun with odd characters and catchy songs. It is more at home in the late 90’s or early aughts. It has the sleekness, soundtrack, and general fun of films like Urban Legend and the first I Know What You Did Last Summer. Even though it does not do much more, Whistle builds an interesting supernatural threat that almost feels like retribution for colonialistic antics.
Corin Hardy (The Nun, The Hallow) directs the movie based on a screenplay by Owen Egerton (Mercy Black, Blood Fest). Chrys, played by Dafne Keen (Deadpool & Wolverine, The Acolyte), relocates to live with her cousin, Rel, played by Sky Yang (Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver), following a tragedy.
Unfortunately, things quickly turn deadly after they find an ancient Aztec Death Whistle. Said whistle summons their future deaths to track them down. So, instead of cheating death and then facing more inventive deaths in a freakish chain reaction like in a Final Destination flick, this film brings each of their respective deaths to the present. With their death-riddled doppelgängers pursuing them, they need to figure out how to end it.
Whistle Is Basic But Fun
Like movies such as Wish Upon, Whistle does the typical deadly, unknown object. However, it goes a step further. It shows the collector, who has objects from various (often non-white) countries. I like how it puts a face to it, showing who started this, and they do not escape unscathed. Often, the object remains a mystery. The movie’s entertainment level is between Wish Upon and Freaky. But closer to the former. What helps the movie is wondering how some of them die, the lead character’s struggle, and the interesting, quirky side characters.
Deeper Relationships and Oddball Characters Raises the Stakes
There is the sweet circling romance between Chrys and Ellie, played by Sophie Nélisse (The Rest of Us, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged). But that’s not all. Rel pines for Ali Skovbye’s (Grizzly Night, Private Princess Christmas) Grace. Unfortunately for him, she has a partner, the drunk-driving jock, Dean, played by Jhaleil Swaby (White Dog, Stay the Night). It’s cute to see the different relationships, and they feel genuine.
While adorable, the standouts are the weird religious dealer—not as contradictory sounding as it should be—Noah, played by Percy Hynes White (Wednesday, My Old Ass), and the comically biting but shady teacher, Mr. Craven, played by Nick Frost (Grow, How to Train Your Dragon). Still, not everything feels unique. Whistle follows the age-old tradition of almost nonexistent parents. However, the question of how they die and who, if any, will be left keeps the film engaging.
Whistle has a cautionary warning to stop stealing from other cultures. This is “wrong place, wrong time” with dire consequences because being close enough to hear when someone blows the whistle is all it takes to give the listener an early date with their death. While the special effects are decent, I will always emphasize the importance of practical effects, especially if the goal is to terrify audiences. Whistle is a fun time that does a fair job of balancing high school angsty drama and lurking horror.
