The Whistlers. 2019
Written and Directed by Corneliu Porumboiu
Starring Vlad Ivanov, Catrinel Marlon, Rodica Lazăr, Sabin Tambrea, Agustí Villaronga, István Teglas, and Antonio Buíl
Synopsis:
A policeman intent on freeing a crooked businessman from a prison on Gomera, an island in the Canaries. However, he must first learn the difficult local dialect, a language which includes hissing and spitting.
Here’s how you put a spin on a prison break; give the gangsters a secret whistling language for communication. Of course, the purpose of that communication evolves over time into something both devastating and uplifting.
Written and directed by Romanian filmmaker Corneliu Porumboiu, The Whistlers centers on policeman Cristi (Vlad Ivanov) playing both sides of the fence on his mission to break Zsolt out of prison. Furthermore, Zsolt is a valuable target considering the drug dealer is the only one that knows where €30 million are. What ensues is a chapter-based progression with each section titled after and focusing on another player in this game, as Cristi continues to learn the language and make his moves. Many moves are made, leading to a bloody and unpredictable finale.
The Whistlers is an effective crime thriller with the right amount of reliance on its gimmick. Where it lacks in compelling characters, it makes up for with heaps of creativity and a burst of exciting action. Then it sneaks up on you for one hell of an emotional climax.
The Whistlers screened at the Chicago International Film Festival. Information can be found here.
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, friend me on Facebook, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, check out my personal non-Flickering Myth affiliated Patreon, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
Originally published October 20, 2019. Updated December 8, 2022.
