Mike Flanagan's "Hush" is a no-frills home invasion thriller that succeeds on its modest merits. It's a streamlined horror flick that feels long despite its 82-minute runtime. While it might've been better as a short film or an anthology episode, Flanagan excels at building tension that simmers rather than explodes. Unlike many low-budget horror films, "Hush" avoids excessive jump scares. The most terrifying moments often lack the usual loud cues or cheap thrills.
The final act has some questionable choices, foreshadowed by the script, that felt inevitable and underwhelming. However, "Hush" is an above-average VOD thriller perfect for a weekend watch. It offers a glimpse into the potential of festival-bound films finding a home on streaming platforms.
The film centers around Maddie (Kate Siegel), a deaf-mute writer living alone in a secluded house. This setup feels like something Stephen King would dream up, and it's no surprise to see a copy of his "Mr. Mercedes" on her dresser. The sound design is the film's greatest strength, particularly evident in the opening scene where we experience the world through Maddie's ears. We hear the sounds of cooking - sizzling asparagus, cracking eggs - before everything fades to silence as the camera focuses on her face. A brief visit from her neighbor Sarah (Samantha Sloyan) reveals Maddie's history and how she copes with deafness.
After Sarah leaves, tragedy strikes as a masked killer (John Gallagher Jr.) appears. Maddie remains oblivious as he murders Sarah just outside her window. The killer, fascinated by Maddie, decides to torment her instead of a quick kill. He starts by stealing her phone and sending her taunting photos. Even after revealing himself, he plays a twisted game, extending her suffering. The killer's motives are frustratingly vague. If he's a sadistic maniac, why not just get it over with?
Flanagan shows remarkable restraint in "Hush." He avoids overusing gimmicks to keep viewers engaged in a largely silent film. The unnamed killer remains silent throughout, and the score is minimal, only ramping up in the final act. The film's strength lies in its middle section where the tension between the two characters steadily builds. The climax introduces some surprises, but not all of them land effectively.
"Hush" is best experienced with minimal spoilers. While the plot isn't particularly original, the film excels at delivering a suspenseful experience. It's a well-executed ride, even if it doesn't break new ground.
6.8625/10.
The final act has some questionable choices, foreshadowed by the script, that felt inevitable and underwhelming. However, "Hush" is an above-average VOD thriller perfect for a weekend watch. It offers a glimpse into the potential of festival-bound films finding a home on streaming platforms.
The film centers around Maddie (Kate Siegel), a deaf-mute writer living alone in a secluded house. This setup feels like something Stephen King would dream up, and it's no surprise to see a copy of his "Mr. Mercedes" on her dresser. The sound design is the film's greatest strength, particularly evident in the opening scene where we experience the world through Maddie's ears. We hear the sounds of cooking - sizzling asparagus, cracking eggs - before everything fades to silence as the camera focuses on her face. A brief visit from her neighbor Sarah (Samantha Sloyan) reveals Maddie's history and how she copes with deafness.
After Sarah leaves, tragedy strikes as a masked killer (John Gallagher Jr.) appears. Maddie remains oblivious as he murders Sarah just outside her window. The killer, fascinated by Maddie, decides to torment her instead of a quick kill. He starts by stealing her phone and sending her taunting photos. Even after revealing himself, he plays a twisted game, extending her suffering. The killer's motives are frustratingly vague. If he's a sadistic maniac, why not just get it over with?
Flanagan shows remarkable restraint in "Hush." He avoids overusing gimmicks to keep viewers engaged in a largely silent film. The unnamed killer remains silent throughout, and the score is minimal, only ramping up in the final act. The film's strength lies in its middle section where the tension between the two characters steadily builds. The climax introduces some surprises, but not all of them land effectively.
"Hush" is best experienced with minimal spoilers. While the plot isn't particularly original, the film excels at delivering a suspenseful experience. It's a well-executed ride, even if it doesn't break new ground.
6.8625/10.
