There’s multiple theories floating around that there are only a certain number of defined story types out there. Depending on what theory you read that number can be anywhere from three to thirty six of those stories. After you’ve read enough books or watched enough movies, you can easily see where these theories come from. The new movie Whistle is a prime example of why this theory is true (no matter which number you go with). That doesn’t mean however that because it’s not unique that it’s not good. In fact, Whistle is an entertaining picture from start to end, even though it follows the same basic plot of several other horror movies.

Chrys (Dafne Keen) starts a new school, in an attempt to restart her life after a tragedy. Unfortunately for her, she is given the locker of a former student who died under mysterious, and brutal circumstances. Inside the locker is an ancient Aztec Death Whistle, that in engraved with a warning that blowing the whistle will summon the dead. After Chrys and her friends blow the whistle during a party they find the translations wasn’t entirely accurate. It actually said it will summon your death, meaning Chrys and her friends face their own deaths well before their time.

Whistle follows a story line that has been used many, many times before in horror stories. A group of people tempt their fate. The do so by doing something they shouldn’t, and desperately search for a way to break a curse before it’s too late. This description might even remind some people of the Final Destination franchise, but it’s actually more enjoyable than that. Even though the story flows the exact way you would expect, without any surprises, it is extremely well done.

Part of the reason Whistle is so entertaining is because the film shows death stalking the friends with the way they are meant to die in the future, even though they are in completely different places than where they would have been then. Another reason is because the soundtrack that was chosen is phenomenal (and one that will be streamed by those who have seen the movie for sure). And finally, the characters are interesting to watch. Sure, they aren’t unique either, but you find yourself liking them anyway. This cinematography in this film is also very dark. It’s a style that doesn’t always work, but in this case it does. In a way it prepares you for what is to come.

Movies don’t have to be unique to be good. Sure, the unique ones win all the rewards, but it’s the fun ones that you remember the most fondly. Whistle is the type of film that will benefit from word of mouth too. It’s not going to make you jump, but it might gross you out at times, and it definitely has some scary moments. It may not do well in the theatres. But it will become a film people talk about over time and one horror fans shouldn’t miss.