Netflix’s Psychological Thriller Inspired by Silence of the Lambs Tops Streaming Charts

Psychological thrillers have a unique way of creeping into your mind. The most compelling serial-killer films don’t just focus on whether the detectives will catch the perpetrator; they delve into the twisted psyche that could commit such unspeakable acts.

Setting the benchmark was *The Silence of the Lambs*, featuring Anthony Hopkins as the chilling cannibal Hannibal Lecter. Following that, films like *Se7en* introduced audiences to another fictional monster in Kevin Spacey’s John Doe, while *Zodiac* took a more grounded approach, dramatizing the real-life hunt for the still-unknown Zodiac Killer.

Clearly, the fascination with these narratives hasn’t waned. The ongoing success of thrillers and true crime documentaries indicates a persistent allure in watching investigators unravel the mysteries behind seemingly unfathomable killers. Now, there’s a fresh entry in the genre that’s already making waves.

Enter *The Whisper Man*, Netflix’s latest psychological crime thriller featuring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott, and Michelle Monaghan. According to recent data, *The Whisper Man* has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts, becoming the No. 1 movie globally and in the U.S. just days after its release on August 28.

Adapted from Alex North’s bestselling 2019 novel, *The Whisper Man* centers on Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott), a widowed crime writer whose world is shattered when his 8-year-old son, Jake, is kidnapped. In his desperate search, Tom reaches out to his estranged father, retired detective Pete Willis (Robert De Niro), who previously apprehended a notorious serial killer known as the Whisper Man.

As the new abduction mirrors the killer’s past crimes, Detective Amanda Beck (Michelle Monaghan) joins the case, compelling Pete to face the investigation that defined his career. Michael Keaton also appears as Frank Carter, the original Whisper Man, with Owen Teague and Hamish Linklater rounding out the cast.

Directed by James Ashcroft, the film pays homage to the serial-killer thrillers of the 1990s, following the classic formula of a relentless detective, a menacing killer, and a mystery that spans decades.

While Netflix viewers seem to be enjoying it, critics have had mixed reactions. *The Whisper Man* currently holds a 42% score from critics, with reviews highlighting its eerie atmosphere and strong performances, but pointing out its predictable plot and reliance on genre tropes.

Collider’s David Caballero described it as a solid and chilling throwback to ’90s serial-killer films, noting that while it doesn’t break new ground, it still delivers an engaging thriller experience.