Hush
Mike Flanagan’s 2016 psychological thriller is a masterclass in tension-building. A gripping scare-a-thon about a deaf writer whose suburban house gets attacked by a notorious serial killer, Hush is a slow-burner that gradually reaches a narrative crescendo. Flanagan is clearly in his element with this one -- from screenplay to the seamless inclusion of horrific moments -- Hush is an all-out nail-biter. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s 1967 classic Wait Until Dark, Hush spotlights the acute sense of insecurity and horror that was bolstered by the protagonist’s hearing impairment. John Gallagher Jr.’s compelling performance as the anonymous man ensures that the story never reaches a slump. But the final hat-tip ought to be reserved for Kate Siegel’s Maddie Young, who not only portrayed the vulnerabilities of an alone, a deaf woman facing the killer but also wore her rebellious streak with elan. Story aside, Hush was also a testament to James Kniest’s brilliant cinematography. His lens, with generous shots of hand-held camera sequences, provided the optimal sense of urgency and dread that this thriller needed. So watch this one for the winter night chills, but just be careful to peek through the window first! That's the OTTplay Lost and Found film for today’s podcast. I shall be back again with another critically acclaimed film but lesser-known. This Is your host Nikhil signing out for now.
