'It's so bad that I wrote my first review': Netflix thriller disappointed audiences

Netflix's latest thriller The Whisper Man, directed by James Ashcroft and starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott, Michelle Monaghan, and Michael Keaton, premiered on the streaming platform this Friday. Despite its high-profile cast and adaptation from a bestselling novel, early reviews from critics and viewers have been largely negative. As of now, the film ranks second on the global and Croatian trending lists, though its reception has been mixed. The plot follows Thomas Kennedy, a successful crime novelist played by Adam Scott, whose life unravels when his eight-year-old son, Jake, is kidnapped in a quiet town in New Jersey. Desperate, Thomas seeks help from his estranged father, Peter Willis, portrayed by De Niro, a retired detective who was responsible for arresting the notorious serial killer known as "The Whisper Man" two decades earlier. The case becomes more complex as Peter returns from retirement to find his grandson and uncover whether the new kidnapping is linked to the old crimes. Aiding him is Detective Amanda Beck, played by Michelle Monaghan, while other supporting roles include Owen Teague, Will Brill, and Hamish Linklater. Critics have offered sharply divided opinions on the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Whisper Man currently holds a score of 46%, with many reviewers criticizing its predictability and lack of originality. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com noted that while there were standout performances, they were overshadowed by the overall monotony of the film. Similarly, Kevin Maher of The Times described it as a lazy mix of familiar titles, comparing it to The Silence of the Lambs, Zodiac, and The Bone Collector, and criticized De Niro’s performance as disengaged. However, some critics were more lenient. Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle praised the director for encouraging eccentric portrayals of unpleasant characters. Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times called it a "masterpiece of its genre," while William Bibbiani of The Wrap expressed gratitude that such a film was made with a reputable cast. Glenn Kenny of the New York Times offered a balanced view, stating that although the cast did not bring freshness to the material, the film managed to maintain viewer interest. Public reaction mirrored that of critics, with viewers giving the film a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 250 reviews. Some viewers appreciated the film’s atmosphere and performances, particularly De Niro’s contribution. One viewer wrote, “It wasn’t an easy topic, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie. The script and plot were tough, but effective. It creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you engaged, even when the subject matter becomes difficult to process.” Others found the film lacking. One review stated, “Terrible movie. The plot is confusing, clichéd, and hard to follow; a real combination! The acting is average: fans of De Niro might enjoy it more than I did (I’m not really a De Niro fan), but ultimately, it’s a film that tries but fails.” Another viewer remarked, “Horrible. The scenes...” The film, which adapts the 2019 bestseller by Alex North, has sparked debate among audiences and critics alike. While some praise its atmospheric tension and strong performances, others criticize its reliance on tired tropes and predictable narrative structures. With a mix of positive and negative feedback, The Whisper Man continues to divide opinions, leaving its long-term success uncertain.