‘The Whisper Man’ Review: Robert De Niro Classes Up a Standard Serial Killer Procedural

"The Whisper Man," a three-star serial killer thriller on Netflix, brings back the vibe of the 1990s. The film, directed by James Ashcroft, stars Adam Scott as Tom Kennedy, a crime thriller novelist who returns to his hometown after his wife's death. The story revolves around Tom's eight-year-old son Jake (Acston Luca Porto), who sees a mysterious girl in a blue sweater everywhere he goes.

Tom's estranged father, played by Robert De Niro, was a detective who apprehended a serial killer named The Whisper Man decades ago. The murders have begun again, prompting Tom to ask his father to return to the case. Along with Detective Amanda Beck, played by Michelle Monaghan, they work to solve the mystery.

The film features a star-studded cast, but only Michael Keaton and Hamish Linklater receive much screen time. Adam Scott, known for his comedic work, delivers an emotional performance, while De Niro and Monaghan remain focused on their roles, lacking any introspection or personal connection. The movie spends a lot of time setting up the mystery, offering various clues that may or may not be important later.

While some viewers might be intrigued by these early details, others may find themselves impatient, anticipating a more satisfying payoff.

"The Whisper Man" isn't particularly clever in its plotting, with solutions to its puzzles ranging from mildly surprising to disappointingly predictable. However, as a Netflix Original, the film aims to keep viewers engaged, even if they're not actively paying attention. While the film's solemn atmosphere and lack of foolishness may be mistaken for intelligence, it's a solid, above-average thriller nonetheless.

Despite its shortcomings, "The Whisper Man" is a welcome throwback to the genre, reminding us of a time when even a respectable serial killer film with a talented cast was considered a treat.