In early 2012, it was confirmed that Minogue would feature in the American independent film Jack & Diane, which also stars actress Juno Temple.

According to Gunnar Örn Tynes from the band múm (who Minogue collaborates with on the song) stated; "This is not the typical pop song that we could write Minogue, but we preferred to write the piece with the film in mind [...]"[1] "Whistle" received positive reviews from most music critics.

"[1] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine stated "The track is six minutes of fluttery, Björk-style drum programming and sparkly synth sounds accompanied by plucky orchestral flourishes and Kylie's breathless vocals and often indecipherable lyrics.

It begins, "I bleed like a pig/It's not so unusual," over what sounds like digital droplets of freezing rain gently colliding with wind chimes.

"[2] Robbie Daw from Idolator stated that "Kylie Minogue has always demonstrated an ability to turn out a quirky collaboration [...] Now she can add experimental electronic act mum to her dance card, following their pair-up on Jack And Diane soundtrack song “Whistle”."