WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of others, even when not intentionally?? Not that this is what we’re desiring to see come about, of course. But, even when history has at least potentially taught us that certain things are best left undisturbed, our innate curiosity seems to get the best of us more often than not. Once that choice is made, the outcome of it all is what will either satisfy…or potentially turn into our downfall.
A young woman named Maggie (Simona Rose) has concerns about a good friend of hers, Sophie (Haylie Smith). Initially knowing that Sophie was enjoying time at a local park, Maggie decides to head out to link up with her. In the meantime, with others having been in the same park and discovered unsettling occult symbols that subsequently appear to lead them to then vanish, what Maggie will find is that a lingering force has returned to wreck more havoc on all who tragically stumble across its path.
Next, my Mind:
Sequels are always a question mark, perhaps more so as a viewer, since normally the first film in what is turning out to be a series tends to be “it”, with subsequent installments falling just a little short. However, there are also plenty of examples where the follow-up film or films MAINTAIN the quality and appeal of the freshman effort and continue to keep your attention, ideally leaving you wanting even more. Personally, this critic is happy to say that this newest 13-minute short film from writer/producer/cinematographer/editor Miroslav Petkov, writer Teddy Nikolova, producer Simona Rose, along with executive producers Ian Aberle, Ronald A. Black, Adam Brian Dada, Lord Gary Dando, Loup Dargent, Vlad Derun, Malachy Fergus Godfrey, Phil Herman, Emily Lasater, Rick Pasquale, Andrew Pierson, Carissa Pierson, John Norris Ray, and Skyler Tipton stands as a winning sophomore entry.
On the heels of the original film, “The Whisper” (reviewed here), the narrative sees itself revisiting the creepily enigmatic, ominous, and pervasively tenacious but still veiled entity introduced in the previous project still utilizing the same symbology, abandoned building, and eerily haunting murmurations that draws people to their impending doom, with this time around having a conspicuously larger, yet also “only-hinted-at”, body count which the antagonist is soon to start realizing in a more….direct….manner. Now, like its predecessor, the film as a whole isn’t traversing any “new” territory as it were, but yet, this critic feels it doesn’t HAVE to, as the sheer mystery behind the events unfolding is being kept from us other than the hints we’re once more provided and the slowly building tension the atmosphere of the film creates.
It’s so much ABOUT what is yet to be fully answered that’s meant to keep the viewer’s attention, even in spite of the multiple people who fall to the “Oh, what IS that symbol? And that image on the sheet of paper near it?” only to find themselves being what the well-worn turn of phrase involving the fate of a feline dictates. But, I would challenge you to simply take the film FOR what it is…a simply executed venture into the realms of supernatural/psychological horror that intends to work on your mind enough to intrigue you AND, as stated above, still leave you WANTING further continuation to the story even as we watch more and more people get manipulated and lead quite astray by whatever this entity is. Additionally, I believe it’s also the employment of the film’s namesake that has always had a chilling impact on me. The notion of being ANYWHERE and then suddenly being accosted by a cacophony of whispering voices with no source seen…that just freaks me out.
Then, to top off all we’ve witnessed, the finale puts a twist on things that heralds what could be an entirely NEW expansion on, and hence continuation of, the story, which one can now only hope is being worked on. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing this overall concept turned into a nicely presented feature film. But, I will take more installments via short film if that’s what path must be taken. Usually, I aim to dive into what I feel are both the foundational and under the surface thematic concepts a film has to offer. Just being frank, this really isn’t the style of film that warrants that only due to the mere fact that there really AREN’T many facets to delve into that aren’t evident from what is conveyed. Horror is a genre that mostly, though not exclusively, stands its ground on a cornerstone premise and that’s that. In the case of a narrative such as this one, that works totally fine and more than suits the film’s, and viewer’s, needs quite adequately.
Visually, the film, also like the first one, stay within an uncomplicated approach while still giving the effort enough scope to create the aura of menace when required. The fact much of the action takes place during the daytime, as was the case as well in “The Whisper”, lends its own somewhat unique bend, allowing the abandoned building that’s served the series well so far to be the “darker” locale utilized. And hey, who said horror always HAS to take place IN darkness, right? It’s the norm, yes, BUT I don’t think ALL vengeful entities shy away from a little sunlight stroll. This is the unpretentious and passion of grass roots indie filmmaking coming from a rising presence in the short film realms that I am having the joy of watching as his projects continue to grow, improve, and I hope gain him and his team the kind of momentum to stay the course, keep growing, keep transforming, and find ongoing success.
Similar to the connection between Jonnie Depp and Tim Burton, this critic feels secure in stating that it would appear a like collaborative relationship is brewing between Petkov and the now-consistently present muse three of the filmmaker’s films feature in some form, with the third being this effort. Rose takes on the role of Maggie, a young woman whose concern for a potentially missing friend leads her down a dark path that will, needless to say, alter her existence forever by the end. This was a very understated performance as a whole, with even the instances the character experiences when encountering the supernatural force in play delivered with energy, but still somewhat restrainedly. BUT, it WORKS effectively here in order to build the air of still-emerging menace and chilling consequences that the film is manufacturing. Let’s just say it seems VERY clear that Rose’s involvement in this series just amped up BIG time. That’s all I will say.
Primary supporting roles arrive from Phil Herman as Todd, an author whose relaxing walk through the park turns into anything but as he runs afoul of something he strangely seems familiar with, Georgia Vodenicharova as Lucy, one of Maggie and Sophie’s best friends who now has new uncertainties about Maggie’s choice to go to the park to find their lost pal, Rudy Ledbetter as a local reporter sharing the latest about the seemingly cursed park, Oktober Layne as David, a friend of Todd’s who gets interviewed on the news about his friend’s disappearance, Alicia Hinson gets the honor of voicing The Whisper as the entity works its way into the minds and souls of those unfortunate enough to look into the symbols it uses to ensnare them, and Haylie Smith through voice only as Maggie and Lucy’s friend Sophie who is the catalyst for Maggie to get more directly involved.
Additional appearances are made via voice and/or image only by Jeffrey Birkin, Teddy Nikolova, Marvin Maddicks Jr., and Philip Brocklehurst. So, in total, “The Whisper 2: Natural Connection” easily and with solidly impactful purpose adds another intriguing layer of both mystery and disquiet to the series while remaining an ever-popular cautionary tale about NOT messing with things that just don’t seem right. I think the best thing this critic can say about the film series at this point…..folks, I wholly feel we’re just getting started!
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
