Whistle – REVIEW

by

The Whistle everyone fears…

For many, the junior school orchestra was a painful experience, largely due to its reliance on the recorder – an instrument often considered musically uninspiring. Despite seeming simple to learn, British children consistently struggled even with basic tunes like ‘Three Blind Mice,’ which feels like a failing of the education system considering children in China can build mobile phones, even under difficult working conditions. However, the ‘Whistle’ in Corin Hardy’s new film isn’t the school recorder. It’s an ancient Aztec instrument that brings death to anyone who plays it – or even hears it, as shown in the film’s shocking opening scene where a football player is horrifically burned alive, reminiscent of a tourist overwhelmed by the sun.

Does Whistle blow it?

The new student, Chrys (Dafne Keen), arrives at high school with a difficult past – rumors of a drug overdose and even her father’s death follow her. She unexpectedly receives the locker of a deceased football player, which contains an ancient Aztec whistle. Chrys isn’t only haunted by her past drug use, but also by her journey to accept her sexuality, a struggle noticed by Ellie (Sophie Nelisse). As they grow closer, their developing relationship feels genuine and is one of the film’s strongest aspects.

The horror!

All of this unfolds after the warning whistle is sounded, and heard by Chrys, Ellie, and others – including a teacher who then witnesses a series of increasingly elaborate and deadly accidents. These deaths are the main draw for viewers, and are reminiscent of the Final Destination movies, though perhaps not quite as complex. They are nonetheless impressively staged, with one particularly shocking sequence inspired by a car crash.

Does it blow?

Whistle definitely uses familiar horror elements – like a character ignoring the advice to stay with the group – and offers a way for characters to avoid death. However, it also features well-executed scenes using both computer-generated and practical effects. Horror fans will appreciate the hidden references, and the film clearly sets the stage for a follow-up.

……( do stick around for the mid-credit scene)  

W chat to director Corin Hardy about creepy props, easter eggs and difficult special effects….

Here’s the Whistle trailer….

Read More

2026-02-13 03:23