Hush – Review

Author Maddie Young (Siegel) lives alone in the woods. She spends her time in her house trying to finish her new novel, and trying to survive on her own, as a deaf mute. She is fully capable going through her daily routines and using sign language to video call with her family and in-person with neighbor Sarah (Sloyan).

Her survival skills are ratcheted up to maximum however one evening when a masked killer comes calling. He observers her with reckless abandon, as she is initially unaware of his presence. The dangers of solitary living (especially in the woods) are revealed to Maddie as the killer makes himself known, and she must fight for her life.

While “home invasion horror” has plenty of movies in the genre, this one uses its protagonist’s disabilities as a focal point, both in audio/visual presentation and as a plot mechanic. While it is not revolutionary, the script is smart enough to deliver many creepy thrills.

In general, all the characters in the small cast are intelligent enough, and offer realistic actions. While there are a few usual horror frustrations with how characters behave, most all of it is very well done. I am sure the budget was relatively small, but the production does not reflect that, and the cast and directing are both quite competent.