One of the Top 5 Slashers of the Past Decade: Hush Review

By: Myriam Akbar

Hush is an intense yet contained 2016 slasher film that is by far one of my favorites of the past decade. It’s directed by Mike Flanagan, who co-wrote the script with Kate Siegel (who also plays the main character Maddie). The plot follows a deaf writer secluded in the woods, who becomes the target of a sadistic masked stranger. What stands out about this film is that it uses classic slasher tropes, yet still manages to be innovative and refreshing. With limited characters and consistent house setting, Hush packs a punch! This well acted game of cat-and-mouse type of film has gore, chase scenes, and (oops, spoiler!) a badass final girl. 

My two favorite things are the sensory imagery and intentional dialogue, providing insight into the characters’ worlds and desires. From the very beginning, heightened sounds like the chopping of vegetables, the fire alarm going off, and the killer screeching against the glass door creates an intimate experience between the audience and the main character. We learn about how she operates in her daily life not having the ability to hear. There’s a scene where Maddie gets her hand crushed, using the combination of visual and auditory imagery to create a moment that make's one want to look away. There’s also moments of silence that suck you into the intense dread and suspense. You forget all about the lack of characters, dialogue, and variety in setting. It pushes you to focus your attention on the actions of two characters essentially battling it out. 

What I love about this slasher film is that the killer not only boldly removes his mask and exposes his identity, his motive is clearly shown through scenes where he’s talking to Maddie and himself. “Do you understand me? Nod your head if you understand me,” he says to her. He relies on his perceived advantage and his unremorseful demeanor while mocking her shows that he finds enjoyment in having the upper-hand. Sara is one of the few characters in the film, being Maddie’s close friend who is killed right before the man begins targeting her. When Sara’s boyfriend comes looking for her, the killer proudly admits his cowardice. Having to use a weapon against him, he says while talking to himself that he never would have won a one-on-one physical altercation. In slashers films, only sometimes is a motive or origin of evil given. Sometimes it’s shown through the lens of psychological turmoil (Halloween, 2007) or by means of supernatural revenge (A Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984). In Hush viewers are given little-to-no information about the killer; however, it’s heavily implied that he kills people not just because he can (similar to The Strangers, 2008) but when he can. We can assume he has done this before considering how quickly he decides to kill people (Sara and her boyfriend) and specifically uses vulnerability to his advantage. There’s also notches on his bow which could indicate past victims. 

Kate Siegel’s performance is strikingly naturalistic and powerful. Her sign language and mouth morpheme felt believable and respectful, bringing some inclusiveness into the genre. Likewise the beautiful line about her inner voice sounding like her mother, a voice that we hear as she supports herself through the traumatizing and terrifying experience. I highly recommend this one because it uses the overplayed trope of “the house in the woods” in a creative way that is needed. I’m personally exhausted of the same plot surrounding this setting. In terms of scare-factor, this film truly brings it. From the anxiety-inducing tension, to the ruthless kill scenes. The sick and twisted nature of the killer is also chilling. He wants Maddie to suffer to the highest level, even propping up Sara’s dead body and using her to knock on the glass. It rare that a film truly exceeds my expectations, but this one did by accomplishing a lot with very little. It's currently streaming on Tubi where you can watch for free!

Photo Cred: Wikipedia.com