'Hush'—A Movie Review

A lot goes on in the mind of a writer. Your story just may turn into something you never expected like Maddie Young’s evening.

Hush is a 2016 slasher film directed by Mike Flanagan. Independent deaf writer, Maddie Young, lives alone in the woods. One night, a man stalks Maddie, taunting her and taking full advantage of her disability. In the fight of her life, Maddie reveals how resourceful she is thinking up creative strategies and logistics in her writer mind.

I always turn out the lights in my living room whenever I watch a horror movie. It creates the best atmosphere. Hush keeps you on edge. Taking place in a dark house creates even more suspense, especially when there are many open rooms. The beginning starts as a calm and relaxing film gradually turning into the suspenseful thriller

There is not much dialogue. Sign language and subtitles are briefly used. More silent movies need to be produced. Scenes cleverly took place in Maddie’s silent world delivering the essence of how she has to live.

Kate Siegel’s performance as Maddie single handedly became one of the most engaging performances I have ever seen. If you don’t know Siegel, I suggest that you watch Netflix’s series The Haunting of Hill House. Siegel carried the whole film. Her terrified expressions, strong demeanor, and every ounce of her strength went into her character.

In the role as the chilling intruder, just one frightening glance from John Gallagher Jr. sends chills up your spine when he is only on your TV screen. Briefly wearing a startling mask, the man will not stop at anything. Thinking that his victim can’t go far due to her disability he realizes just how wrong he is.

Hush is a small cast of five actors. Michael Trucco (John Stanley), Samantha Sloyan (Sarah Greene) and Emilia Graves (Max) have little screen time but each makes a memorable performance—especially Michael Trucco.

The setting for Hush took place inside a dark house surrounded by terrifying woods. The house used in the film was the very own house of Flanagan and Siegal. Sometimes you don’t have to look too far for your setting.

While watching Hush, the story reminded me of Wait Until Dark, a 60s film starring Audrey Hepburn playing a blind woman who was being stalked by three intruders. Since the main character in Hush is deaf, I felt there were moments of unbelievability.

Despite not being able to hear, or see in Hepburn’s case, wouldn’t you be able to feel someone in the room? There were instances where actions were happening right in the corner of Maddie’s eyes and yet she doesn’t see them.

I may be being too critical on this but my cinema sins counterpart shouted at the TV screen when Maddie would leave her porch door open at night, or leave the safety of her house twice to look for an escape!

Regardless of these minor flaws, Hush is an on-edge, terrifying, and inspiring film. The suspense and horror protrude from audiences having the ability to hear little noises while Maddie only has the ability to see.

You cannot underestimate people with disabilities. Siegal’s portrayal was believable. All movie roles require close character study. You’re playing somebody different.

Your passion just may be what saves your life from peril. One of my favorite scenes is when Maddie’s conscious, or her "writing brain," speaks to her. It just goes to show that a lot happens in a writer's mind. Just like a story, any scenario could happen in your day. There’s always one ending you won’t expect.

Hush is a masterpiece of its own. If you’re looking for the right movie to give you goosebumps on a Friday night, go experience the terrors of Hush on Netflix.