The Whip (2024) Review

As soon as I read the synopsis for The Whip, I immediately knew I needed to watch it. In British politics, a “whip” is someone who keeps party members in check by ensuring they all vote the same way (democracy, who?). This film takes that and bends it into a satirical heist inspired by some very real social issues.

If you’re not familiar with the UK’s welfare system—let me give you a quick rundown. It’s systemically broken, and the rot is deep. I’m sure this plight is universal to a degree, but in the UK, it feels particularly cruel. Being disabled or caring for someone who is and then having to jump through endless hoops to get financial support, all while being treated like dirt for existing, is like some Hunger Games. The system, known as “Independence Credit” in the film, is a thinly veiled reference to real-life benefit “reforms” that have dire consequences for many. It’s a heartless setup that’s more about saving money than helping people, but naturally, it’s far easier to punish the vulnerable than wealthy politicians.

The Whip tells the story of Sadie, who is a full-time carer for her sister. After having their benefits claim rejected, she reaches breaking point. So, what does she do? She plans a heist with her friends and a dishonoured politician to steal the Chief Whip’s “little black book” from the Houses of Parliament—a book that contains dirt on the political elite and is regularly used to blackmail them.

Now, I have personally felt the sting of a corrupt system that degrades people who seek help, and that part of the film was all too real. It’s a shame, though, that the story isn’t told from a disabled person’s perspective. It’s one thing to depict the struggles of carers—something that absolutely deserves recognition—but a disabled presence should be at the forefront of a narrative like this.

Emily, the sister in question, has barely any screen time, which is disappointing considering how central her character is to the story’s premise. The lack of focus on Emily turns her into more of a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character. What’s more telling is that Meg Fozzard, who portrays Emily, wasn’t even mentioned in the promotional materials I came across, let alone the movie poster. This oversight feels ironic given that within the film itself, Emily’s name is constantly misremembered by so-called “professionals”—a subtle but powerful commentary on how we are often overlooked.

It’s a frustrating missed opportunity because Emily’s story could have added much-needed depth and authenticity to the film’s critique of a dehumanising welfare system. By sidelining her, the film inadvertently mirrors the very system it seeks to criticise—one that fails to see disabled people as fully realised individuals. We are instead viewed as a concept. An idea that impacts abled people’s lives and only needs to be seen when it’s to emphasise how it affects them. This lack of representation is a reminder that, while the film tackles important topics, it ultimately gives a “We’re talking about you, not to you” vibe.

Overall, The Whip makes a daring attempt to mix political satire with a heist thriller, and it’s got a lot going for it. It highlights some hard truths within politics and the reality of the damage these policies can cause, which is the kind of conversation starter we need. But I have to admit, when it comes to representing the disabled community in a story that’s quite literally based on us, it falls short, especially with Emily’s character being more of an afterthought. So, while I’m grateful for the seemingly good intentions, and I’m hopeful that it might facilitate a more palatable understanding beyond tabloid noise, I can’t help but hold out for the day when disabled voices are not just included but centred.

Watch The Whip in select UK cinemas from September 4th 2024.