On April 8, 2016, Intrepid Pictures and Blumhouse Productions released horror/thriller movie, “Hush.” Using the help of horror writer and director Mike Flanagan and his wife, Kate Siegel, the movie was filmed in only 18 days.

Not only did Kate Siegel help write the story for “Hush,” she also had the starring role in the movie. Her character, Maddie, is a best-selling author who lives in solitude in the middle of the woods. However, Maddie struggles with two crippling disabilities: she’s deaf and mute. This is why when a serial killer comes after her in her own home, she is at a major disadvantage.

“10 Cloverfield Lane” actor John Gallagher Jr. stars as this film’s serial killer, wearing a white mask and black hoodie, while sporting a crossbow and a dagger. Even though his actions are terrifying, there is still something likeable about him–charm is a common trait in psychopaths. The audience sees him smiling and laughing about how he plans to kill Maddie, and there’s a sickening sort of pleasure in his eyes. In this man’s head, his hunt is just a game. He doesn’t seem to have a grasp on reality.

Gallagher Jr.’s character has to be the most disturbing aspect of the movie because he is so terrifying yet charismatic. It is clear that his character has a sense of humor in the way he terrorizes Maddie by knocking on her window with her dead best friend’s gory hand. Flanagan did a great job of adding some depth to Gallagher Jr.’s character.

Of course, no horror/thriller is complete without exceptional cinematography. Horror cinematographer James Kniest has a filming style fairly similar to that of a person walking around, focusing on details here and there. But, he also films omnisciently, by panning out and showing the foreground of the scene for each character. Kniest’s filming style makes you feel as if you’re in the movie with the characters because you get a full, clear picture.

Now, you may be wondering about sound in the movie if the main character is deaf and mute. What’s interesting about this is out of the 81 minutes of film, there is less than 15 minutes of dialogue. There is also no soundtrack–Maddie’s breathing and footsteps make up for most of that. There are also moments when all of the sound goes away. This is supposed to mimic Maddie’s point of view and how limited her awareness is, which is a brilliant idea on the sound crew’s part.

Aside from the sound and cinematography, the art and makeup department did a great job of making the gory scenes look painfully real. This movie definitely isn’t for those with weak stomachs or faint hearts. I would also not recommend watching this movie alone, which I made the mistake of doing.

Other than Siegel and Gallagher Jr., there are only three other characters. Samantha Sloyan plays the part of Maddie’s neighborhood friend, Sarah. A bubbly young woman, her ill fate comes too soon. Michael Trucco plays Sarah’s boyfriend, who is admirably brave. The only other character is Maddie’s sister, Max. Played by Emma Graves, this role seems to be used as a foreshadowing device for the terror that is about to come, because she tells Maddie that she worries about her living alone.

Due to the lack of music and characters, the movie has a more intimate feel and allows the audience to connect more with the characters. “Hush” plays on a common human fear: having someone invade your home while you’re alone. The fear only intensifies when you add challenges like being deaf and mute. As the movie’s tagline says, “Silence can be killer.”

While “Hush” is a fantastic horror/thriller, it also serves as an inspirational drama to those who have setbacks in their own life. It shows the audience that through willpower and determination, you can do anything. 10/10 would watch again.