THE WHISPER MAN
Robert De Niro and Adam Scott Lead the Haunting Adaptation of Alex North’s Bestselling Novel
Based on Alex North’s acclaimed New York Times bestselling novel, The Whisper Man is a psychological crime thriller that blends emotional family drama with a terrifying serial killer mystery. Directed by James Ashcroft, the Netflix original film follows a grieving father whose search for his missing son uncovers disturbing links to a notorious child killer believed to be safely behind bars.
Plot
When widowed crime writer Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott) discovers that his eight-year-old son has been abducted, he turns to his estranged father for help. His father, retired Detective Inspector Pete Willis (Robert De Niro), is the veteran detective who originally captured the infamous serial killer known as The Whisper Man years earlier.
As father and son race against time, they uncover chilling connections between the current disappearance and the decades-old crimes of the convicted killer. With the past refusing to stay buried, they must confront painful family wounds while facing a mystery that grows darker with every clue.
The Whisper Man
- Director: James Ashcroft
- Starring: Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott, Hamish Linklater, Owen Teague, Acston Luca Porto, Michael Keaton, John Carroll Lynch
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 111 mins
Cast and Characters
- Adam Scott as Tom Kennedy, a widowed crime writer searching for his missing son.
- Robert De Niro as Detective Inspector Pete Willis, Tom’s estranged father and the retired detective who captured The Whisper Man.
- Michelle Monaghan as Detective Amanda Beck, the investigator leading the new missing child case.
- Michael Keaton as Francis “Frank” Carter.
- Hamish Linklater as Norman Collins.
- Owen Teague as George.
- Acston Luca Porto as Jake Kennedy, Tom’s young son.
- Will Brill as Sergeant John Dyson.
- John Carroll Lynch also stars in an undisclosed role.
Based on the Bestselling Novel
The Whisper Man adapts Alex North’s internationally bestselling novel, which became a worldwide sensation thanks to its unsettling atmosphere, emotionally driven storytelling, and unforgettable serial killer mystery. The film stays true to the novel’s exploration of grief, fatherhood, trauma, and the terrifying secrets hidden in the quiet town of Featherbank.
Creative Team
Director
- James Ashcroft
Based on the Novel By
- Alex North
Screenplay By
- Chase Palmer
- Ben Jacoby
Genre
- Psychological Thriller
- Crime
- Mystery
Release Date
Streaming on Netflix beginning August 28, 2026.
