Director Mike Flanagan
Genre Horror | Thriller
Cast John Gallagher Jr, Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan
Rating R
Release Date April 8th, 2016 (Limited Theaters & Netflix)
“A deaf woman is stalked by a psychotic killer in her secluded home.”
Directed and co-written by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus and the yet to be released horror film Before I Wake, Hush is an intimate take on the horror genre. Filmed in less than 18 days, Hush contains under 15 minutes of actual dialogue, meaning that 70 minutes of the hour and 127 minute run-time go by without a single word being spoken. Flanagan co-wrote the film with his new wife, Kate Siegel who stars in the film. Siegel met Flanagan while auditioning for his 2013 horror film Oculus, a role she ended up getting. She was quoted in an interview as saying when she met Flanagan she immediately thought, "This is a man I would do anything to work with." So naturally, they were soon married.
Hush is a great film and a breath of fresh air for a struggling genre. I really enjoyed it and felt like it utilized a tried and true formula, while separating itself with some unique elements, making it feel fresh and innovative at the same time. Hush puts the audience in the victim’s shoes during the film's most tense moments to experience what it's like to lack the ability to hear or speak, which I thought was very effective. Hush includes everything a successful horror film needs; a psychopathic killer, resourceful victim, great writing, intimate style of directing, and a quality score that really sets the tone for the film. If I were to offer a bit of criticism I would say that Hush is certainly more thriller than it is horror but it does blend the two together quite well.
Hush has a very limited cast but each actor pulls their weight and helps to make this gruesome scenario feel like a reality. Kate Siegel is fantastic in the lead role and she made it rewarding for the audience to see her character develop the way it did. Siegel was asked whether or not having her husband direct the film added any extra pressure and she said that he is such a supportive director and husband that if anything, it made her more comfortable. John Gallagher Jr. is exceptional as the masked man, coming across perfectly as a crazed killer who takes pleasure in the suffering of others. Michael Trucco, who is traditionally a television actor, makes an impact in his brief on screen appearance.
Hush is a tense, dark, and uniquely crafted thriller that is a welcomed entry in the horror genre alongside the likes of The Strangers and You're Next, to name a few. Director and screenwriter Mike Flanagan seems to have a genuine appreciation for the horror genre and I am excited to see what he has in store for us. Considering Hush is a direct to Netflix streaming release, which is incredible by the way, I can comfortably say that you won't find a better and more accessible newly released film. To be honest it felt like I was cheating the system somehow watching a movie this good as soon as it released without having to invest in a movie ticket or giant bag of overpriced popcorn. Check this one out sooner than later.
