My opinion on the movie Hush (2016).

Summary: A deaf writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears in her window.

Hush is a 2016 American slasher film directed and edited by Mike Flanagan, starring Kate Siegel, who also co-wrote the film with Flanagan. The film co-stars John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, and Emilia “Emma” Graves. It was jointly produced by Trevor Macy through Intrepid Pictures and Jason Blum through Blumhouse Productions. The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 12, 2016, and was released by Netflix on April 8, 2016.

Absolutely terrifying, Hush is an intense and frightening indie horror thriller. The story follows a deaf woman who lives in a secluded house in the woods, and is preyed upon by a psychopathic killer. The script is especially well-written, doing an impressive job at having the character work her way through the problems that she faces. And, making the character deaf gives a fresh new angle to the classic cabin in the woods scenario; heightening the tension and suspense. Lead actress Kate Siegel gives an incredibly visceral performance that captures the raw terror and desperation of the character, and director Mike Flanagan does a good job at showing how trapped and isolated she is. Additionally, the violence is remarkably gritty without being gratuitous. A well-crafted horror film, Hush taps into our primal fears.

Flanagan continues to prove after his excellent Oculus that he is one of the most interesting names in recent years when it comes to genuine horror, with another smart, well-directed and tense movie that does have a few clichés here and there but works quite well all the same.

Silent chiller with great acting and an excellent premise.

‘Hush’ is a lot like ‘The Strangers’, except instead of strangers plural it’s only one man, and instead of a husband and wife being terrorized it’s a deaf and mute recluse. It’s very tense and cleverly written. It also has a minimal synth score, something I notice more and more horror movies are utilizing – ‘You’re Next’, ‘It Follows’ – to give it an ’80s classic slasher atmosphere. It’s hard to even call it horror though as it offers far more thrills than actual scares. I was thoroughly satisfied watching this movie. It’s constantly engaging, and that has a lot to do with the terrific performances of both the man and Maggie, and there are a few scenes that are genuinely depraved and chilling. It doesn’t break any new ground, but following ‘The Babadook’ and ‘It Follows’, ‘Hush’ continues to reinspire the subtle, quiet corner of the genre and bodes well for the future of psychological thrillers. Highly recommended.