REVIEW: ‘Whistle’ Blows Its Chances For High-Impact Horror

Occasionally, newer horror films will blast back to the past, whether it’s in the tone or in the time period when the story takes place. Whistle (2026), directed by Corin Hardy and written by Owen Egerton, feels like it could’ve come out in the early 2000s. But beyond tapping into a specific era, not everything works. 

Whistle (2026) follows a group of high school students who make the mistake of blowing an Aztec whistle, which summons the deaths of those who hear the sound it emits. As soon as they realize they’re in grave danger, their impending deaths begin to haunt them. In recent years, we’ve seen the revival of horror films that focus on relentless curses. That said, despite the genre’s popularity, Hardy’s film isn’t entirely successful in how the story unfolds or in the direction of many characters. 

The film kicks off with a startling, violent death in the locker room of the high school. After this death, we meet the protagonist, Chrys (Dafne Keen), who is settling into her new home with her cousin, Rel (Sky Yang). They’re both your average outcast characters, falling into familiar teenage tropes.

Whistle (2026) lines the cast with unremarkable and forgettable characters. 

The rest of the Whistle ensemble is filled in with the familiar teenage archetypes. This includes Chrys’ sweet and passionate romantic interest, Ellie (Sophie Nélisse); the hot-headed jock, Dean (Jhaleil Swaby); the nice and popular girl, Grace (Ali Skovbye); and the unlikable menace to the community, Noah (Percy Hynes White).

However, other than Ellie, these ensemble characters are completely expendable. And while that’s not unusual for death-curse horror (these people are running against a countdown), it’s hard even to remember their names as the film progresses. Thus lending to one of the major issues of the film’s writing. 

As soon as one of these teens blows the whistle, thus sealing the fate of numerous characters, Whistle slips into predictability. While some of the teens aren’t convinced anything supernatural is happening, the other half believes enough to investigate. Chrys leads the charge, and when death strikes again, it becomes clear who is going to make it out of this film alive. 

No matter the thrills and jump scares, this film isn’t worth a revisit. 

Due to these typical story beats, there’s not much by way of surprises for both the characters and the audience – aside from how the whistle functions and how the deaths manifest. And the writing for the only characters of color in the main cast leaves much to be desired. For example, Dean is the most aggressive character in the bunch, and there are references to him driving drunk.

It’s not to say that characters of color can’t be complicated or antagonistic, but there’s not much to his character aside from those negative aspects. Meanwhile, Rel is reduced to being Chrys’s cousin, with nothing to do in the back half of the film. 

Horror films that focus on death curses can’t always be heavy hitters like Smile 2. It’s okay for some to be background fodder or fun horror – inconsequential but dependable. But in the case of Whistle, it’s one of those films that’s not worth revisiting. It’s not an impossible endurance test or the worst film you’ll see this year. But it’s forgettable. 

Daphne Keen and Sophie Nélisse are the films greatest assets. 

Despite the poorly written script and faulty direction, certain performances help carry Whistle along. Everyone does enough with what they’re given, but performances that stand out come from Keen and Nélisse, helped along by their strong chemistry. 

Having a queer relationship in this film, one that isn’t hampered with a love triangle or a toxic teenage boy ex, elicits a sigh of relief. The romance, despite the supernatural surroundings, is believable. 

The practical effects are solid, and there are at least two deaths that’ll make you wince from sheer brutality. One scene in particular causes audible groans from how horrific the death is, leaving viewers fully on edge.  

Whistle (2026) won’t shatter your expectations and fails to bring anything super fresh to the horror table, even with a well-written queer romance and some killer practical effects. If you’re looking to soak in 2000s horror flavor or want to see Sophie Nélisse play another queer character, you’ve blown the right whistle. For other folks, you’re better off seeking another film. 

Whistle (2026) releases in theaters nationwide on February 6, 2026.