'Whistle' isn't just a scary movie; its star, Dafne Keen, sees it as perfect for a romantic date - INTERVIEW

Some believe that horror and romance don't mix. Whistle proves otherwise. For Dafne Keen , the film's star, a scary movie can be one of the most intimate and revealing date ideas, especially when a relationship is just beginning.

"I find it incredibly romantic," the actress says with a laugh, convinced that horror isn't just about screams and jump scares, but rather an excuse to discover how the other person reacts to the unexpected. Whether they're frightened, whether they offer support, whether they respect vulnerability. "I want someone sensitive, someone in touch with their emotions, but who will also hold my hand without me having to ask," she explains. For Keen, the details are key. Not making fun of them, not minimizing their fear, knowing how to be there for them. In that sense, horror becomes a test of empathy.

This emotional interpretation of the genre connects directly with Whistle , a film that uses horror as a vehicle to explore grief, addiction, and human fragility. Keen plays Chrysanthemum, a character as fierce as she is vulnerable, haunted by profound loss and constantly battling her own demons.

Far from portraying her through excess or caricature, the actress opted for a restrained, nuanced performance. "It was very important to me not to paint her in a broad, simplistic way," she explains. To achieve this, she drew on personal experiences, her own relationship with grief, and careful observation of the addictive mind, always approaching it with understanding rather than judgment. Chris is a sensitive woman who tries to toughen up, but can't. Her heart is exposed in an environment that doesn't forgive weakness.

That sensitivity is evident both in the action scenes and in the silences, in the micro-expressions that carry the emotional weight of the story. Whistle doesn't rely solely on the visual impact of horror, but on the discomfort of watching someone confront what hurts, what is avoided, what is lost.

Part of that balance is also due to director Corin Hardy 's vision, known for his work in the genre and for a meticulous and deeply human approach. Keen recalls the shoot as an experience of collective care, something unusual in films typically associated with constant tension. Hardy ensured the crew felt comfortable, that a dynamic of trust existed among the actors, and that the creative process was as important as the final result.

"He's a very detail-oriented and passionate director," she says. Attentive to the camera, the costumes, the props, and above all, the performances. But also someone who cared about the emotional aspect. During filming, the crew shared dinners, trips to the movies, and activities off-set. Keen even celebrated her 19th birthday during filming, and the director himself made the cake.

That supportive environment is key in a film that demands so much emotionally. Whistle doesn't just require screaming or physical stamina; it demands presence, listening, and honest performance. Something Keen has honed throughout a career that began very early and has made her a globally recognized face.

The public primarily identifies her as Laura, Wolverine's daughter in Logan , although the actress confesses that she's surprised by how much she's also recognized as Jackie, her character in Star Wars , despite being "dressed as an alien." This duality between pop icon and actress known for her intimate roles defines the moment she's experiencing today.

At 21, having just celebrated her birthday, Keen seems more interested in the little things than grand gestures. To mark the occasion, she cooked at home for her friends, they drank wine, sang, and played board games. No parties centered around her. "I don't like things to be about me, it stresses me out," she admits.

That same naturalness is reflected when she talks about cultural representation, Latin music, and the excitement she feels seeing Bad Bunny on a stage like the Super Bowl. As a Hispanic actress, though not Latina, she celebrates a moment in which Spanish-language culture is beginning to occupy central spaces without the need for translation or labels.

Whistle arrives as a film that is indeed frightening, but also comforting. A story that can be watched as a couple, holding hands during the most awkward moments, and that reminds us that terror, like love, reveals much more about us than we are willing to admit.

And perhaps that's why, against all odds, it ends up being a perfect movie for Valentine's Day.

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Interview