Montreal Actress Sophie Nélisse Embraces Fear in New Horror Film Whistle
Montreal-born actress Sophie Nélisse, known for her roles in Yellowjackets and the gay hockey series Heated Rivalry, is taking on the horror genre with her latest film Whistle, despite not considering herself a horror buff. The Canadian-Irish co-production, which hits cinemas this weekend, follows high-school seniors who discover an ancient Aztec death whistle with deadly consequences.
"To be quite honest, it's not a genre I'm particularly affectionate toward," Nélisse admitted in a recent interview. "I did watch them when I was young and I was having fun knowing I'd be scared. So I do think there's something very fun about the experience. I love particularly seeing them at the cinema. But it's not something I love watching."
Physical Demands of Horror Filming
Nélisse revealed that her natural tendency toward fear actually helped her performance. "I'm a scaredy-cat to begin with, so it's pretty easy to act scared, because I'm frightened very easily," she said. "So it was pretty easy to shoot. But it was a physically demanding experience. Just having to scream all day long, covered in blood."
The film features strong chemistry between Nélisse and co-star Dafne Keen, set in a gritty American mill-town. While not reinventing the horror genre, Whistle offers effective scares for fans of classic high-school horror flicks.
Weekend Entertainment Highlights Across Montreal
Gen-X Dance Party at Montreal West Curling Club
On Friday evening, the Montreal West Curling Club transforms into a dance haven for Generation X with Do Ya, Do Ya? Do Ya Wanna Dance? The event, organized by Philip Fine and Stephanie DeBono, caters specifically to those who want to dance without encountering younger crowds at trendy nightclubs.
The musical selection includes:
- Funk and disco classics
- 1980s dance and new wave hits
- Latin rhythms and hip-hop tracks
- French pop music
Held six times annually in the third-floor hall above the curling club, tickets are available for $20 at the door.
Contemporary Opera Clown(s) Final Performance
On Sunday afternoon, the Opéra de Montréal presents the final performance of Clown(s) at Théâtre Maisonneuve of Place des Arts. This contemporary opera by Montreal composer Ana Sokolović draws inspiration from cinematic legends Federico Fellini, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton, immersing audiences in the surreal world of circus and clowns.
Le Devoir has praised the production as "a stunning masterpiece," making this closing show a must-see for opera enthusiasts and contemporary performance fans.
Meredith Moon Concert at La Toscadura
Friday evening brings folk musician Meredith Moon to La Toscadura. The daughter of Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot, Moon recently released her third album, From Here to the Sea, which subtly evolves from the Appalachian roots sound of her earlier work while maintaining her signature banjo playing and rhythmic folk style.
Black History Month Festival: Fondu au Noir
Throughout the weekend, Théâtre Colas hosts the Festival Fondu au Noir (Fade to Black Festival) as part of Black History Month celebrations. The event showcases the richness of Black artistic talent in Montreal with a diverse program:
- Friday: Jazz performance honoring the St-Henri and Little Burgundy neighborhoods
- Saturday: Series of conferences exploring Black culture and history
- Sunday: Conversation with former track-and-field athlete and Olympic champion Bruny Surin at 5 p.m.
This curated weekend guide represents just a sampling of Montreal's vibrant cultural offerings, from horror cinema to dance parties, contemporary opera, folk music, and important cultural celebrations during Black History Month.
