Director of Whistle Praises Unmatched Chemistry Between Sophie Nelisse and Dafne Keen in New Queer Supernatural Horror: “It Just Clicked”

The new horror film Whistle might just rival the Final Destination series with its intricate death sequences, but it offers more than just gore. Director Corin Hardy likens it to a blend of The Ring and The Breakfast Club, weaving a touching romance into the mix of chilling terror.

Written by Owen Egerton, the story centers on Chrys, played by Dafne Keen, who moves in with her cousin after her father’s death. She quickly captures the interest of the kind-hearted student Ellie, portrayed by Sophie Nélisse. However, things take a dark turn when Chrys discovers a mysterious ancient object in her assigned locker, previously belonging to a star basketball player who met a tragic end.

When a friend attempts to use the object to contact spirits, they inadvertently unleash a terrifying curse. Now, Chrys and Ellie must join forces to prevent their accelerated fates from catching up with them.

Hardy shares his admiration for the chemistry between Keen and Nélisse, noting their unique friendship both on and off set. “During emotional scenes, they would be joking around, and then I’d call for action, and they’d instantly deliver heartfelt performances,” he recalls with a laugh.

Nélisse adds, “We understood each other and shared the same humor. We could switch from joking to serious as soon as the scene started.”

Hardy expresses his relief at seeing their characters come to life, describing their dynamic as a yin and yang. He highlights Nélisse’s portrayal of Ellie, noting her purity and kindness, which contrasts beautifully with Keen’s darker character. Throughout the film, they evolve, adopting traits from one another to unite against the looming threat.

Whistle hits US theaters on February 6, followed by a release in the UK on February 13.