Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Crime thriller

The Whisper Man (2026): Cast & Ratings

The Whisper Man (2026) movie poster

The Whisper Man is a 2026 crime thriller directed by James Ashcroft, starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michael Keaton. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes. Critics gave it 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
45%
Echo Score
49
Metascore
52
Loading streaming availability…
The Whisper Man (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Director
James Ashcroft
Genres
Crime , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
Studio
AGBO
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Whisper Man About?

The premise of The Whisper Man without spoilers.

After his eight‑year‑old son is abducted, a widowed crime writer turns to his estranged father, a retired police detective, for help. Their search uncovers a chilling link to a decades‑old investigation of a convicted serial killer called The Whisper Man, forcing the family to confront past horrors. The film adapts Alex North’s New York Times bestseller.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

The Whisper Man Cast & Characters

Robert De Niro leads the cast, with Adam Scott as Tom Kennedy and Michael Keaton. Directed by James Ashcroft; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Whisper Man

· 16 more
From the director

More from James Ashcroft

More films directed by James Ashcroft, best-rated first: Coming Home in the Dark and The Rule of Jenny Pen.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Whisper Man Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Whisper Man 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in story & flow (55) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

49 /100

The Whisper Man Echo Score Breakdown

The Whisper Man delivers a serviceable thriller that leans heavily on star power but falls short of distinction. Critics and many viewers note predictable plotting, underdeveloped characters, and uneven direction, while a minority praise occasional effective tension and competent production values. The result is a film that satisfies momentarily for genre fans yet lacks the depth or originality to linger in memory, leading to modest overall appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of art and craft, the film displays competent production design but suffers from uninspired direction and uneven editing. Reviewers highlight a decent 90s aesthetic and occasional strong visual moments, yet criticize the overall lack of stylistic cohesion and a script that fails to elevate the material. The technical execution is functional but does not rise above mediocrity.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are mixed; De Niro and Keaton receive modest praise, while the primary cast is described as one‑dimensional and over‑acted. Some viewers find the emotional resonance adequate for a crime thriller, yet many note that the actors are constrained by a thin script. The net effect is a set of competent but unremarkable portrayals.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Story and flow are the film's most contested aspect. Critics label the plot predictable, cliché‑laden, and lacking genuine suspense, whereas several users enjoy the twists, pacing, and a satisfying mystery that keeps them engaged. Though the narrative does not break new ground, a handful of effective turns provide enough momentum to sustain interest for a portion of the runtime.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    Sensory experience receives modest acknowledgment. A reviewer cites a "superb production quality" and a nostalgic 90s visual style, yet few comment on sound design or score. The overall sensory impact is therefore average; the film maintains a clear visual presentation but fails to leave a distinct auditory or stylistic imprint.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch factor appears limited. Critics describe the thriller as disposable and lacking lasting appeal, while some audience members note an engaging finale and recommend a single viewing. The consensus suggests that once the twists are known, motivation for repeat viewings diminishes, resulting in a modest replay value.

Seen The Whisper Man?

FAQ

The Whisper Man FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Whisper Man, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Whisper Man?

The Whisper Man runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was The Whisper Man released?

The Whisper Man was released on August 28, 2026.

Who directed The Whisper Man?

The Whisper Man was directed by James Ashcroft.

More films by James Ashcroft

Who is in the cast of The Whisper Man?

The Whisper Man stars Robert De Niro, Adam Scott as Tom Kennedy and Michael Keaton, among 20 credited actors.

How is The Whisper Man rated?

The Whisper Man has 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic.

Does The Whisper Man have a post-credit scene?

No. The Whisper Man has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app