Netflix’s New Robert De Niro Crime Thriller Officially Divides Critics

Robert de Niro is no stranger to the Rotten Tomatoes game. The prolific actor has been a part of some of the most iconic films of all time. He’s also been in movies that are a bit more of a struggle to get through. His latest film, however, is a bit in the middle when it comes to its Rotten Tomatoes score. With 29 reviews in, the Netflix film The Whisper Man sits at 41%. Based on the novel by Alex North of the same name, the film features de Niro as Detective Pete Willis who is haunted by a serial killer he helped to catch the first time around.

Pete is estranged from his son, author Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott), and when Pete’s grandson goes missing after reports that a copy cat of the Whisper Man has returned, Pete must navigate returning to his former job and talking to the man who he helped put behind bars. A lot of the film is a look at a father’s relationship to his son. Both with Pete and Tom as well as Tom’s relationship with his son, Jake (Acston Luca Porto). On the other hand, Pete is working with Detective Amanda Beck (Michelle Monaghan) to try to stop the second coming of The Whisper Man.

The film is described as follows: “A grieving father and his young son relocate to the quiet town of Featherbank, which was terrorized by a serial killer known as The Whisper Man 15 years earlier, while rumors circulate that Whisper Man worked with an accomplice.” As of this writing, the Rotten Tomatoes score is still changing. There are only 29 reviews in and the audience score is not yet registered on the site and it could be better than the critics score.

It Wouldn’t Be Robert de Niro’s Worst Rated Film in Recent Years

Image via Lionsgate

When it comes to de Niro as an actor, many think of his serious roles first and foremost. His more comedic roles tend to be rated lower. While his worst rated film is the 2004 film Godsend, his comedies like Dirty Grandpa are also towards the bottom of his filmography. As recent as 2023, de Niro’s team up with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco earned the film, About My Father, a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes for its critic score but a mid 80% score for audiences. So there is still a chance that The Whisper Man will find its audience.

You can see de Niro and Scott in The Whisper Man.

Release Date

August 28, 2026

Runtime

106 minutes

Director

James Ashcroft

Writers

Ben Jacoby, Chase Palmer, Alex North