Director of The Nun discusses the key elements that inspired his return to classic horror in Whistle, while the lead actor shares the excitement of portraying both the hero and the villain.

Corin Hardy, known for his work on The Hallow and the high-profile Conjuring spin-off The Nun, is thrilled to dive back into his horror roots with the new supernatural film Whistle.

When asked about the creative freedom he experienced returning to original storytelling, Hardy shared, “I’m always up for original stories, especially those with fresh mythologies. Three elements really stood out for me with Whistle. First, the mythology has a chilling aspect but also delves into deep themes like mortality and the nature of death.”

He continued, “Then there’s the character-driven love story that unfolds amid the tragedy, and finally, the death sequences. I had the opportunity to craft a variety of unique deaths, each tied to the individual characters.”

Whistle features Sophie Nélisse from Yellowjackets and Dafne Keen from Deadpool and Wolverine. The plot centers on a group of high school students who inadvertently summon the Grim Reaper after one of them blows an Aztec death whistle. Contrary to their teacher Mr. Craven’s (Nick Frost) belief that it “summons the dead,” it actually brings forth their own deaths, leading to dire consequences for anyone who hears it.

In a refreshing twist, Whistle is neither a sequel nor a remake; it draws inspiration from a short story by writer Owen Egerton. Keen portrays Chrys, the troubled new girl hiding a dark secret, while Nélisse plays Ellie, the aspiring doctor who becomes romantically involved with her. As their friends begin to fall victim one by one, the duo must join forces to prevent their gruesome fates—manifested as horrifying doppelgangers—from catching up to them.

Reflecting on the eight-week shoot, Nélisse remarked, “It was fun. Someone asked me if it was more enjoyable to play the hero or the monster chasing the hero. I got to do both!”

“You really root for these characters, wanting some to survive. But it’s also a blast to be bloodied, dirty, and cold, contorting my body for the role,” she added. “I remember wearing contact lenses that turned my eyes white, which left me completely blind on set. I had to be guided around, but I feel lucky to explore such a wide range of horror.”

Whistle is set to hit US theaters on February 6, followed by a release in the UK on February 13.