“Whistle”

Every once in a while, a documentary comes along that just makes you grin from ear to ear. “Whistle,” directed by Christopher Nelius, is exactly that kind of film. Nelius takes audiences inside the Masters of Musical Whistling, a.k.a. the world’s biggest competition for whistlers, and turns what might sound like a novelty subject into something surprisingly joyful, funny, and even moving.

At the center of it all is the competition’s founder and tireless organizer Carole Anne Kaufman, who runs the event as a true labor of love. Watching her juggle finances, soothe eccentric contestants, and wrangle technical snafus feels like its own backstage comedy, and Nelius captures it all with his camera.

The contestants themselves are the heart of the film, and what a cast of characters they are. Japan’s Yuki Takeda, forever the runner-up, returns once again with hopes of finally taking the crown. Spain’s Ayna Ziordia Botella, daughter of a circus performer, has dreamed of this moment since childhood. Los Angeles’ Molly Lewis brings indie-cool credibility, fresh off whistling gigs on the “Barbie” movie and recording her own album. And New Jersey’s Jay Winston, a high school teacher who once pursued Broadway dreams, proves you can find artistry in unexpected places.

The film fits neatly into the beloved subgenre of competition docs where the stakes are less about money and more about passion. No one here is likely to become a global superstar from puckering their lips and blowing air. But the sheer dedication, quirks, and musicality of these competitors make them instantly endearing. By the time the judges are handing out scores and the tension builds, you’ll find yourself genuinely invested in who comes out on top.

The tone of the documentary is well-suited to the subject matter, as Nelius embraces the silliness of a worldwide whistling competition without ever mocking it. He never forgets that the art of whistling is about happiness, and watching his heartwarming, crowd-pleasing movie will make you happy, too.

Light, breezy, and full of charm, “Whistle” doesn’t try to change the world, but it sure will change your mood.

By: Louisa Moore