Kate Siegel (Maddie), John Gallagher Jr. (Man), Michael Trucco (John), Samantha Sloyan (Sarah), Emma Graves (Max).
Though deaf, the vibrations of sound in a big city are too much for Maddie, a writer who decides instead to live remotely in the woods. But when a killer appears at her window, his intentions to terrorize and kill her quite clear, Maddie realizes she is truly alone. As the killer uses her lack of hearing against her, he finds Maddie much more aware of what she can't hear than he expected. Rather than explaining the plot well, Hush prefers to focus on the terror and suspense, which is does quite well.
Hush does an amazing job of putting you inside Maddie's head with an understanding of how life would be without sound. The film then uses this new education of yours to its advantage, impressively ratcheting up the terror index with nary a peep.
Acting was very good with Siegel delivering a wonderfully complex performance, really selling her characters inability to hear. Gallagher Jr. also did nicely, coming across as quite menacing and psychotic. Trucco and Sloyan had small parts but delivered well.
Sets and backgrounds were mild but fitting for the film. Camera work did a good job of reinforcing Maddie's lack of hearing which, along with creative use of sound, really brings you into the world of a deaf person. Action scenes were good with a solid, realistic feel. Sound, again, was used well to support the theme of the film.
Being trapped by a killer is a well worn storyline to which Hush adds some new variables, freshening up the plot and making things a bit more interesting. The result is a sleeper film with good technical work, acting, that builds suspense and terror well. Genre fans should enjoy this one.
With graphic violence, foul language, and intense terror scenes, reserve this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.13.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Horror Movies, Slasher and Serial Killer, Suspense, Terror
copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel
No comments:
Post a Comment