🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Slasher
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 22min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (161K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A deaf writer in the woods gets a very persistent, though not particularly bright, visitor who really, *really* wants her to finish her book… permanently.
🍿 Hush: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Solitude Interrupted
Maddie Young, a deaf and mute horror author, lives a secluded life in a cabin in the woods, seeking solace to overcome writer’s block. Her peaceful routine is shattered when a masked figure appears, brutally murdering her neighbor Sarah outside her home. Unaware of the unfolding horror due to her inability to hear, Maddie remains inside, oblivious to the impending danger.

A Silent Game of Cat and Mouse
The killer soon realizes Maddie is deaf and decides to play a cruel game. He cuts the power, steals her phone, and begins taunting her from outside, relishing in her inability to hear him. Maddie’s world transforms into a terrifying maze, where she must rely on her other senses and resourcefulness to survive. The ensuing struggle becomes a tense battle of wits and survival instincts.

Turning the Tables
As the night progresses, Maddie’s fear evolves into determination. She uses her analytical mind, honed by her writing, to strategize and fight back. Barricading doors, setting traps, and employing makeshift weapons, she transforms from a victim into a formidable opponent. This shift marks a turning point as she decides to confront her attacker head-on, refusing to succumb to his terror.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Maddie (Kate Siegel): A deaf and mute writer living in an isolated cabin, forced to fight for her life against a masked killer.
- The Man (John Gallagher Jr.): A sadistic masked killer who targets Maddie and enjoys toying with his victims.
- John (Michael Trucco): Sarah’s boyfriend who becomes entangled in the deadly game when searching for her.
- Sarah (Samantha Sloyan): Maddie’s neighbor and friend who is the first victim of the masked killer.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- The Man: “Now, are we having fun yet?” – Said by the killer to Maddie as he escalates the cat-and-mouse game, highlighting his sadistic nature.
- Maddie: “…” – Most of Maddie’s communication is non-verbal due to her being deaf and mute, amplifying the suspense of her silent struggle.
- The Man: “You’re going to die.” – A taunt delivered by the killer, emphasizing the deadly seriousness of Maddie’s predicament.
- Maddie: “Do It.” – Written in blood on the glass door, Maddie’s final act of defiance and acceptance turns the tables in the climax.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Hush Reviews
Personal Review
I was completely on the edge of my seat watching Hush! The way the movie uses silence and perspective to put you in Maddie’s shoes is brilliant. There were scenes where I literally held my breath. The struggle felt so real, and I found myself genuinely rooting for her to survive. It’s not just a slasher flick; it’s a masterclass in suspense.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of home invasion thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in strong female leads”
- “Audiences who appreciate suspenseful and well-crafted horror”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense violence”
- “Gore”
- “Disturbing situations”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Hush delivers a lean, mean thriller experience. The innovative premise and strong performances overcome some familiar genre tropes, creating a genuinely tense and engaging film.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Mike Flanagan crafts a suspenseful home invasion tale that makes excellent use of its unique premise. Kate Siegel shines as the resourceful protagonist, making every moment of her struggle feel authentic and gripping.
- IGN: “Hush is a taut and effective thriller that successfully subverts genre expectations. Its minimalist approach and focus on sound design create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere.
Audience Reactions
Viewers loved the clever use of sound design to create a tense atmosphere.: Many praised Kate Siegel’s performance as Maddie for its vulnerability and strength.
The film’s short runtime was appreciated for its pacing and lack of filler.: Most viewers felt the movie was a unique and innovative take on the home invasion genre.
Overall Consensus: Hush is a well-crafted thriller that offers a unique and suspenseful take on the home invasion genre, thanks to its innovative premise and strong performances.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film contains less than 15 minutes of dialogue, emphasizing the main character’s perspective as a deaf-mute individual.”
- “Director Mike Flanagan and Kate Siegel, who plays Maddie, are married in real life and co-wrote the screenplay.”
- “An alternate cut known as the ‘Shush Cut’ was premiered at Beyond Fest in October 2024. It was black & white and had the film’s score removed.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hush?
Hush is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You may also be able to find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hush, you might like these similar films:
- Wait Until Dark (1967): Features a woman with a disability (blindness) who must outsmart criminals in her apartment, creating similar tension and suspense.
- You’re Next (2011): A modern home invasion thriller where the victims turn the tables on their attackers, showcasing resourcefulness and survival skills.
- The Strangers (2008): Another home invasion movie with masked intruders terrorizing a couple, emphasizing the senselessness and brutality of the attack.
- Don’t Breathe (2016): A group of thieves break into the house of a blind man who turns out to be more dangerous than they anticipated, offering a twist on the home invasion theme.
🛒 Hush Related Products
- The Strangers (Unrated): If you enjoyed the home invasion tension of Hush, dive into The Strangers for more masked terror. This unrated version is even more intense and chilling.
- Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones: Experience sound like never before. Sennheiser headphones, as featured in this movie, deliver exceptional clarity. Hear every footstep, every creak, and immerse yourself fully in the world of sound.
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Sign Language, 2nd Edition: Learn the basics of American Sign Language, used by Maddie in the movie. Understand and communicate in a new way with this comprehensive guide.
- Cold Steel Bushman Fixed Blade Knife: Channel Maddie’s resourcefulness with a durable and reliable survival knife. Perfect for outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hush features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Hush’ was filmed in Fairhope, Alabama, USA.
Due to the protagonist’s deafness and muteness, the film contains very little dialogue (less than 15 minutes). This heightens the tension and immerses the viewer in Maddie’s sensory experience, emphasizing sound design and visual storytelling.
The killer’s motive is not explicitly stated in the film. He appears to be a sadistic individual who enjoys terrorizing and killing his victims, suggesting a psychopathic nature rather than a specific reason for targeting Maddie.
🔥 Bonus Content
Hush (2016) KILL COUNT
Have you ever wondered how many people get killed in Hush? This video counts them all, providing a gruesome and fascinating look at the film’s violence. Fair warning: it’s not for the faint of heart!
How To Beat HUSH
If you’ve ever watched Hush and thought, ‘There’s no way I could survive that,’ this video is for you. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to beat the villain, giving you a new appreciation for the film’s suspense and tension.
Hush – Movie Review
Looking for a great horror movie to watch? Check out Chris Stuckmann’s review of Hush, a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. He praises the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, well-developed characters, and effective use of sound.
✨ Rate
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