Netflix Thriller 'The Whisper Man' Offers Familiar Tropes Without Surprise
Netflix's new thriller, 'The Whisper Man,' is described as a formulaic B-movie that combines elements of 'The Vanishing' and 'The Silence of the Lambs.' The film, produced by the Russo brothers and based on a novel by Alex North (pen name of Steve Mosby), follows a retired detective, played by Robert De Niro, who enlists the help of a serial killer he previously apprehended. The killer's modus operandi involves luring children out of their homes with whispers, abducting, and murdering them. The current investigation focuses on a new killer mimicking this style, with two children already missing and the young son of a recently widowed crime novelist (Adam Scott) now targeted.
The novelist and his son move to the deceased wife's hometown, where a detective (Michelle Monaghan) is investigating the disappearances. She seeks assistance from the retired detective, who remains obsessed with the original 'Whisper Man,' keeping a map and a mysterious box related to the case. The film hints at connections between the detective and the novelist, and the identity of the original killer, without fully revealing them. The house in the film is noted for its resemblance to haunted houses in other horror movies, adding a generic element.
The review criticizes the film's handling of its traumatic themes, particularly its focus on flawed and toxic father-son relationships, suggesting it lacks genuine insight. Scenes are noted as being derivative of other films, including one where a character visits the home of the copycat killer. A supernatural element, described as a ghost-like presence, is also present but deemed ineffective in adding flavor to the film.
'The Whisper Man' is characterized as a film that meets low expectations for a typical Netflix release, offering little beyond what is anticipated. The psychological aspects are found unconvincing, with De Niro's portrayal of a detective consumed by an obsessive case failing to resonate. The novelist's relative obscurity within the film is also questioned, as characters and the film itself seem unaware of his work, evidenced by a scene where he reads his own biography on his book's cover.
A specific warning is issued to Israeli viewers regarding a scene featuring an alert sound strikingly similar to the Home Front Command app, which was the only genuinely startling moment in the film, though unintentional on the part of the filmmakers.
