★★★
I knew I was in for something when I settled into my seat for Corin Hardy’s latest horror offering, WHISTLE. What I didn’t expect was the cinematic equivalent of a DJ mashup – about six different horror movie plots mixed into one chaotic, yet oddly entertaining film.
WHISTLE follows Chrysanthemum (Dafne Keen), a troubled teen and recovering addict who discovers an ancient whistle in her new school locker. As these things tend to go in horror films, someone inevitably blows the cursed object, unleashing supernatural forces that hunt down the teenagers one by one. It’s a premise we’ve seen before in films like Final Destination and It Follows, though WHISTLE lacks the originality that made those classics stand out.
The dialogue, I have to say, is occasionally rough around the edges. There were moments where I found myself cringing at certain lines that felt forced or unnatural. Yet paradoxically, there were also genuinely funny moments scattered throughout that had me chuckling.
What elevates this film, and I’m being completely honest here, is the authentic portrayal of a queer relationship between Chrys and Ellie (Sophie Nélisse). In a genre where LGBTQ+ characters often exist as tragic footnotes or comedic relief, WHISTLE offers something refreshingly different. Their chemistry feels genuine, their connection meaningful, and yes – that kiss between Keen and Nélisse reminded me why representation matters. It’s not tokenistic or exploitative; their relationship forms the emotional core of the film.
The horror elements themselves are a mixed bag. Some of the deaths are genuinely creative and gruesome, with practical effects that would make any horror fan proud. Other moments rely too heavily on CGI and familiar jump scares that don’t quite land. The film’s atmosphere, however, is consistently well-crafted, with Hardy proving once again that he knows how to build tension even when the script doesn’t always support it.
I came away feeling like I’d watched the horror equivalent of a popcorn-munching brain vacation – not particularly nutritious, but satisfying enough in the moment. Is it a masterpiece? Far from it. But there’s something endearing about a film that throws so many ideas at the wall to see what sticks, even if the result is somewhat messy.
If you’re looking for ground-breaking horror, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood for a fun distraction with some genuinely touching LGBTQ+ representation at its centre, WHISTLE might just be worth your time.
The film’s soundtrack deserves a special mention too. The official WHISTLE SCORE by Doomphonic is out now on digital platforms, with vinyl through MUTANT to follow soon. The atmospheric music heightens the film’s tense moments and provides a haunting backdrop to both the horror and the more tender scenes.
WHISTLE is out now in cinemas in UK and Ireland.