The Whittler (2020)

A ghost story that is actually refreshing in a sub-genre saturated with Found Footage films. The Whittler tells the story of a family who on one night gets terrorized by a group of robbers. The family gets some help when their daughter, who has been hiding from the robbers, seeks the help of an old ghost who resides on the premises, to do her bidding. The Whittler is just that ghost.

On the eve of a Christmas party, the owners of the hotel, the premises said party is held at, find themselves being held at gunpoint by a group of redneck robbers, led by Terry, played by Al Snow. Yes, THAT Al Snow (for the wrestling fans amongst our readers). His posse is rounded out by Jay, Billy, Reece and Randy, played respectively by Gerard Haran, Andrew Conn, Nick Doetsch and comedian, Catfish Cooley. Needless to say, the henchmen are, more or less, inept.

The owners of the hotel are played by John Wells and Sarah Cleveland, who portray their parts, and emotional range, very well. They are quite believable as a couple, as well as parents. Their daughter and her “imaginary” friend are played by Mahalah Donae Peters and Raegan Joseph. Both actresses are fantastic in their roles as well. I see them both moving forward in film as they grow up.

With the family tied up and hiding, their only hope for surviving the night is some sort of help. Will The Whittler help them or leave the family to die? What price might be paid for this old ghost’s help? You know how to find out. Watch this film. It is definitely worth it.

Whit Whitman has written and directed a ghost story that took me by surprise. I figured I had seen it all with ghost stories, and for the most part I have. Whit managed to keep me entertained and interested during the film’s run time of just over an hour in length. He has given us a new ghostly icon for film in The Whittler, played by Whittler Webb. Yup, that’s his real name, folks. Whit has given us a film with a character that could easily find its way into other films by this director, and I really hope it does.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the absolutely amazing chemistry on screen with Al Snow and Catfish Cooley. These two had me laughing my ass off with some of their interactions. If you ever need comedic relief in a film, just hire these two to work together.

The film was shot well, with great camera work and good direction. Like every indie film, it has its issues here and there, but none of it is enough to take away from the great SFX and good VFX this film has to offer. The dialogue holds up well and the lighting is its own character in the scenes where it is played up.

Overall, I suggest giving this a viewing. I don’t think you’ll be sorry you did.