Student Film Reviews

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1. monicaochoaa 04.22.16 / 9pm

   The concept of this film is fresh and different. I had not heard of a horror film in which the potential victim is deaf and able to get away. The fact that the director made the film mute at some points is also different and a very innovative way to make the viewer feel more connected to the character and in order to make the film more thrilling. After reading this review, I am definitely going to watch this film.
2. loganmiller14 04.24.16 / 7pm

   The film seems to be different and even offers a pretty funny element of “no-sound” to try and outwit a killer. The director is also wise to put the viewer in the shoes of the girl who has to use her senses for survival. This review was also very well wrote, providing me with a background of where it made it’s beginning; this contributes to the feel and theme of the movie. I definitely will need to see the film.
3. Tootie 05.20.16 / 12pm

   Netflix is a treasure trove of movies and television shows, not to mention its own productions. The breadth of the content is overwhelming and you can spend an inordinate amount of time perusing the categories, hunting for something to watch. A recommendation means you don’t have to search for the needle in the haystack. Your review of Hush is so appealing that I have added it to “my list” of films. Typically, I would not look at the horror/thriller genre, but your description of the film piqued my interest. It is usually the sound in a film that creates and instills fear (or any other emotion desired) and when you turn down the volume, the scary factor of a scary movie goes away. Turning down the volume in Hush will simply put you in Maddie’s shoes. What a novel idea Flanagan uses to impart Maddie’s disability directly on to the audience. The use of this technique to intensify the nerve racking anxiety and apprehension of the character’s deafness is brilliant. Looking forward to watching Hush!
4. Samantha Everson 05.30.16 / 11pm

   This film sounds amazing. From your review, I liked how you brought up the fact that the film had you “cheering on the character at one point”; the characteristic of a solid horror film. From your description of the film, I was reminded of films like The Strangers and You’re Next which are actually two horror films I am extremely fond of. I think the creepiest horror films are the ones where characters are being stalked in their own homes, where we are supposed to feel the safest. However, the bit about the director muting certain scenes is something which makes this film stands out from other horror movies. I am also a fan of the fact that Hush can be found on Netflix.
5. Max Fuery-Robbins 05.31.16 / 12pm

   I have read through your review and I think it was very well written, however, I personally did not like the film. I agree with a lot of what you said in the review such as the film had you cheering on the characters! I think that this horror film was very well made and the idea behind the movie–the concept–was very unique. I really enjoyed that aspect of the film. Unfortunately for myself, I thought that the actor who played the roll of the man trying to get into the house and kill the woman could have done a better job. All in all I thought the movie was very well done! I do agree with the fact that it is exciting to find hidden gems on Netflix!
6. rcamp36 06.03.16 / 3pm

   I too saw this film with a few friends casually on a weekend afternoon when we couldn’t decide what to watch on netflix and found this. I also spoke to other people who have seen it. It was definitely one of the bets thriller/ horror films I have seen! The director mixed a deaf girl and a psychotic serial killer. I loved the suspense, and when he muted parts of the film was very clever! This film also gave me anxiety and had me tense. I liked when she went over in her head what to do and concluded she had to kill him, the part in the bath rub when she turned around just in time, and the end scene when they are fighting on the ground and she is seconds away from death but that scene turned around in an instant. I agree with you that netflix does have hidden gems within the thriller/ horror category. Great post!
7. KyleSullivan 06.04.16 / 4pm

   Another Netflix hidden gem “Hush” is. I actually watched this film with my roommates last month so I feel as if I already had some good insight before reading your review. I totally agree with you that the most heart racing moments were when they muted the sound so you experience Maddie’s disadvantage. This film was a classic stalker torture film that seem to be popping up a lot nowadays. The director definitely played off the whole single deaf woman living alone in the middle of nowhere aspect of the situation, I mean, what could possibly go wrong? I would compare this film to that of The Strangers, or It Follows (another crazy stalker film I highly recommend). All in all the movie was pretty good for being a straight to Netflix sort of thing, and your review exceptionally covers the main aspects of the film.
8. jpwilson 06.04.16 / 10pm

   I am not a big fan of the horror/thriller genre, but the plot and concept for this film seems interesting. You revealed enough to get me interested, but eluded from giving away major plot points. The director seems to be a visionary of suspense and is very creative. Its a shame that this film never made it to the big screens, but because of that this film is like a hidden gem away from the main streams of cinema.
9. Justin Kern 06.04.16 / 10pm

   I saw this film on their one night and watched it! I totally agree with you, Katrina! I think this film was a bit different from the other low-budget slasher/killer movies on Netflix. The inability to not have one your most vital senses put a new twist on this genre. Compared to other movies where a character like this would most likely lose, this actress was able to pull off the idea, that maybe loss of sound can be an advantage. This may be an extreme example, but Marvel’s DareDevil show that vision is for the weak. In the end, great job on the review, it nicely summarizes the movies without giving away any major spoilers, yet gives a little taste of what is to come.
10. Gavin Thatcher 06.04.16 / 11pm

    I am usually not a big horror movie fan but after reading this review, I am really intrigued and a bit enlightened on some of the key elements of horror cinema Flanagan uses as well as stirs of way from. For instance, his selected use of sound is extremely innovative not only for the storyline, but to modern horror films, for the movies score and the sound effects that build suspense are fundamental to creating an enticing scary thriller. To capture the essence of a deaf person is simplistic through the use of audio, however, when place in dark and potentially harmful setting, the whole movie is held in place by the visuals and mise-en-scene. Strategically showing what cannot be heard is an incredible way to bring to life a film, as commonly seen in the early 1900’s during the silent era. Expression is clear way to set a mood and in a horror film, seeing the silent expressions of a character promoting harm is more terrifying that any sound.
11. Vikrant Mannemela 07.11.16 / 1pm

    Personally, I feel that Netflix has a very old collection of movies that they update slowly. But after reading this review I decided to check out Hush which was added recently. I have always loved horror movies for the tense moments and the adrenaline run when something serious occurs. Hush really added on to that with the sound design working seamlessly with the theatrics. Your review really interested me, as I thought Hush was just another flop movie on Netflix with cheesy acting, but it was easily one of the top horror movies I have checked out. Kate Siegel did a great job and the fact that she was deaf made the movie ever more better in the horror genre. The sound design in the movie lets us feel how Kate herself feels at certain parts throughout the movie (no sound).
12. Valerie Lindquist 07.16.16 / 1pm

    Reading this review makes me think about two things. 1. Horror movies are easily accessible through programs such as Netflix and 2. People are drawn to movies that incite thrill. After seeing how film content has changed through history, reading your review makes me think about not only how this genre of film used to to highly monitored, but also that it was once did not exist. The revival of cinema and drop of censorship brought film into a new light. Perhaps without the change in film censorship on “horror” the film industry would not be as captivating as it is today.
13. Katrina Torres 07.16.16 / 1pm

    Awesome review about Hush ! I absolutely loved this movie, I like to see movies with a different story line that I have not seen before and Hush was definitely one of those films. The suspense in this film differentiates it self from other traditional horror/thriller films in which the main character is deaf. This indeed gives the audience a different perspective and outlook of a true complex, horror story. I too agree that it is unfortunate that the film did not make the theaters to grab a greater audience, however Hush was a suspenseful delight to watch. I also agree that is was an interesting feeling to be able to try and relate to Maddie’s fear and predict was she was to do next. Overall the film was in my opinion amazing, unexpected thrilling and anyone who watches it will most likely enjoy it.
14. Maria Salgado 07.16.16 / 4pm

    I haven’t seen this film but I always see it in my recommended section through Netflix. What an interesting concept the directors does with this suspense. He truly makes it like no other with the character being deaf! I have seen other films where the scene is muted and plays with your mind throughout. I think Alfred Hitchcock was good at that suspense because of the quietness when something was going to happen. It truly gets you on the edge of your seat not knowing what is going to happen. This sounds like one of those films, and seems like a film I need to watch! Thanks for the review.
15. Jack Weinstein 07.16.16 / 5pm

    You did a great job with this review, I have always heard of this film but have yet to see it. As someone mentioned in someone else’s comment I keep seeing this on my netflix and always wonder about it, after reading your review I cannot wait to watch it! I enjoyed how you differentiated it from other films of the same genre, as well as great descriptive details about the film. Great job!
16. Jieru Wang 07.16.16 / 6pm

    I really like this type of horror films, horror films should have all the factories to support the atmosphere, for example, scared background music. However, the main character in this film is deaf; she could not hear but could feel. It allows audience to have the same feeling with Maddie, audience will experience the same situation with her. I think this is brilliant; it makes the film more horrible without hearing. I have seen The Conjuring last week, it is also a good horror film, its atmosphere makes me nervous the whole time, but I believe Hush is advanced in the plot. I am going to watch this film with my friends.
17. Derek Tilton 07.16.16 / 8pm

    Good review! Wow this movie definitely sounds interesting; I don’t think there has ever been a horror movie like this one! You definitely have convinced me that I should go watch this film, mainly so I can witness the great use of sound in the film. The fact that the director mutes some of the sound so that the audience can feel a connection to the main character must make for an incredible experience. Not only does the absence of sound most likely create a feeling suspense and anxiety, but it almost must really connect the viewers with the main character. I haven’t seen a lot of films that use sound to their advantage as much as this film has, according to your review, so I’m definitely interested in checking out how this film utilizes sound to its full advantage. I really liked your review; thanks for convincing me to watch this film!
18. Daniela Guerrero Ramirez 07.16.16 / 9pm

    Great review! I watched this film about a month because I was in the mood for a thriller. I was not disappointed as this movie had everything I was looking for. The most interesting part of the film was the fact that the main character was deaf. This element was very intriguing as the audience wonders “How is Maddie going to survive if she cannot hear the man who wants to kill her?” This is definitely a film that kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me wondering what would happen next. I remember watching it with a friend while eating popcorn and thinking “This is a really good movie.” I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who wants to watch a really good thriller.
19. Madison Bambrick 07.18.16 / 1pm

    I really enjoyed this film review, as I thought that it was well written. Throughout your review you did not give too much away but did give just enough to get the reader interested. I actually watched this movie and had mixed feeling about the film as it was not your typical horror film. I agree with you about the way the movie does get your heart racing, but I feel that it does have some cheesiness in some scenes. All in all, I think you wrote a great review for a movie that unfortunately was not very popular but hopefully many people will watch it after reading this review.
20. Zhihai Fang 07.27.16 / 9pm

    Good response! I completely agree with what you say. This film is located in a city far away from noisy silence, blurred central house, lived a beautiful deaf woman writer. Her world is silent, and in her heart, there is a voice in the heart of her silence. When writing stalled at this time, Tracy McGrady got up to kitchen utensils, in this not long ago just seen her friend got killed. Unfortunately, despite Sarah’s call for help, but can not cause Maddie’s attention. McGrady absolutely ignorant of back to the computer to work and the man quietly sneaked into the room. When McGrady suddenly received from their mobile phone SMS, which is a masked man with mobile phone photos.
21. Abigail Holman 07.28.16 / 11pm

    This review definitely sparks my interest to watch this film. As a fan of thriller and horror films, this sounds like another one worth watching. It seems like there is a nice twist to this thriller, as you mention the main character is deaf. I can already imagine how suspenseful the scenes in this film are, as a deaf woman must rely on only two of her senses to stay alive and outsmart her killer. It also sounds like some of the choices that the director makes with the sound in the film gives it more of a horrific and suspenseful kick by muting some of the scenes, letting the audience experience the main character’s reactions and anxiety. This seems like an extra thrilling effect especially as horror/thriller films usually have shrieking or ominous music or sounds throughout in order to keep the audience on edge. This film seems like it accomplishes the same effect but with no sound, which is really original I think.
22. Lincoln Amadin 07.29.16 / 5pm

    To be perfectly honest I have never been a fan of horror films. When I was younger I would not be able to sleep if I saw a movie even remotely scary. This changed however when I watched It Follows in my film studies 101 course. This horror movie was awesome and I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie. Because of this when I saw Hush on my Netflix home I was intrigued. Hush was truly a unique film watching experience. The premise of a deaf woman being stalked by a serial killer is truly a unique idea. I agree that the directors choice to make us only able to feel the vibrations is a great way to keep us on our toes. I’d be interested in similar films that also deprive us of some of our basic senses.
23. Lyndsay Allen 07.29.16 / 5pm

    I love a good scary movies, and it seems that you do as well so I am excited to be able to see a good one! I really like the fresh idea that there is a movie starring a deaf girl. I can imagine me becoming attached to the main character who is deaf and on the edge of my seat because she can’t hear. Most horror films that I have viewed recently aren’t even that scary, they just use sounds effects that make you suddenly jump and give the movie suspense. It will be interesting to see how the director and the producer created a movie that is based around a girl who can’t hear. I really enjoyed your review and I am excited to watch this Netflix movie!
24. Jacob Smith 10.14.16 / 11pm

    I have recently watched Hush and completely agree with your review. It’s a fresh new outlook on horror and suspense movies. I really enjoyed how the main character was deaf. I think it was really cool for her to be deaf and what is even cooler is indeed how hard the killer struggles to kill her. There wasn’t a moment during this film in which I wasn’t anxious and waiting for something to happen. In all, this review is spot on.
25. larry 10.19.16 / 10am

    Hush is a psychological horror film starring Kate Siegel (Maddie) and directed by her husband Mike Flanagan. She plays a dynamic role as a young deaf author living in an isolated cabin in the woods. She has a friend who is killed on her doorstep by a prowler. He peaks in and soon learns that she deaf. He takes photos of her and sends them to her laptop and that is when the psychological horror begins. This film kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was next, all the way to where she stabs him with a corkscrew. I highly recommend this film.
26. Audrey Carganilla 01.26.17 / 7pm

    I also saw Hush on Netflix while just browsing. Reading the quick description on the side piqued my interest and made me click play. Like you, this film definitely was anxiety-inducing for me. The technique of muting of sound as you talked about was what made me feel on edge most of the time. I’m not a big fan of horror movies especially the ones coming out in today’s age as most are just cheap jumpscares and predictable plot twists and endings, but this one was unique in that the protagonist was deaf. The fact that the viewer is forced to experience what she was experiencing in the midst of chaos – silence – made it immersive and all the more terrifying.
27. Nodoka Kobayashi 02.01.17 / 3pm

    I do agree with your opinion, and your review is convincing. I ususally do not watch this kind of movies but I saw this movie with some of my friends at night. I was so horrified but somehow I enjoyed this movie. The scenes that the directer made souds off at particular points are just amazing because I was pulled into the situation that the maincharacter is facing and felt I was experiencing this situation that seems to be impossible. To hear her heart beat also made me feeling like my heart is beating like that. I think the nervousness this movie cause in our mind is directed intentionally is amazing.
28. Genny Kelly 03.12.17 / 10am

    I have not seen a really good horror movie in a very long time! Many of the horror movies that have come out recently have looked like duds to me. What intrigues me about seeing this film is the muting. I think by adding this, it brings a whole new level to the film. You get to experience what the female character goes through and it adds an element of fright. It would be frightening to not be able to hear someone sneaking up on you. I also think it’s incredibly genius of the director to use the sound of the vibration and her heart beat. It sounds as though these sounds helped make the film even more scary. Thank you for your review of this. I am going to check it out!!
29. Cesar Olmos 10.16.17 / 2pm

    I chose to watch this film last year when I saw it was avaibale on Netflix. I never expected Netflix to hold such a gem on their website. Not that they are not credible, but I was shocked to see such a well put together thriller under their ” must watch” list. I have taken American Sign Language classes and I really enjoyed the disturbing concept of the film. I think they mastered the suspense and mystery behind the film, which helped drive the film forward, and keep viewers holding onto their seats. I think they did a phenomenal job using music, key lighting, and camera angles to ass suspense to the film, which lead to its overall success.
30. Cristina Carrasco 03.17.18 / 10pm

    Hush is the second best film I’ve seen in a very long time. I totally agree, I was full on cheering for Maddie! The one thing that I found incredible was that the movie flowed beautifully with so little words. The entire script was mostly show not tell and even then the directors were capable to maintain us engaged until the very end. I also enjoyed that the protagonist was a writer and it made it all the more interesting on a personal level. In a way the film added some features from many decades ago, when it was all about silent films. Overall it was a fresh idea and I suppose after watching it 4 times, the action alone emphasise it.
31. Layla Walker 07.20.18 / 12pm

    I would agree that Hush is a great horror movie. The movie definitely was not boring and it was different than any other horror movie I had seen before. I liked how the film maker purposely made parts of the film silent for the viewers so you could some what experience what it must be like for the main character who is deaf. The film makers also made it intense and thrilling by having the main character rely solely on her sense of sight which makes much of the movie come from her point of view and line of sight. I also experienced anxiety while watching the film because of how much suspense the film makers put into the movie. You were not sure what would happen next because things were so unexpected and Maddie could not physically hear what was going on around her. Overall, I really liked the film and it is one of my favorite horror movies.
32. Sierra Gomez 07.20.18 / 8pm

    I definitely agree with you on this being one of the top thrillers I have watched on Netflix. I thought the filmmaker did a more than average job on the plot, as well as the execution. Having the main character, Maddie, be deaf, adds a whole other level of thrill to it. You experience her fear and struggles when she is faced with one of the toughest challenges in her life, which is defending her own life against an intruder. I also thought the producer had a great perspective of the camera lens, since it literally puts the viewers in Maddie’s shoes, so you can feel and see what she goes through.
33. Natalie Aragon 07.21.18 / 1pm

    I remember running into this film while I was scrolling through my Netflix recommendations, and I decided to give it a try. And to this day, I still re-watch it since I know it won’t disappointment. Hush is a astounding film, capturing the audience in every possible way. Maddie, the protagonist, puts on a good fight throughout the whole film, challenging her five senses. The most intense scene is where Maddie locks herself in her bathroom, only thing that is heard is her slow breathing, the man breaks through her window, which was in back of her. However, the lack of a normal person understanding their five senses is clearly shown in this scene. The man breaths out a laugh, and Maddie feels it in the back of her neck, realizing that the man is in back of her, taking advantages of the stitatution. This film is hands down one of the greatest horror movies that took time, including the intensity through the realist characters.
34. Isaac Brooks-Church 10.18.19 / 9pm

    Hush is definitely one of the hidden gems of Netflix. It takes the standard horror movie classic and adds an extra level of depth by taking out the element of sound for the protagonist. The director keeps sound provided for the viewer throughout the movie however during certain important scenes he will strip you of it so that you can put yourselves in the shoes of Maddie as she tries to stay alive while being hunted by a killer. It is really great to see a horror movie director take a stale and old concept and make it fresh again by removing some of the things humans rely on: sound.
35. Martin Barbosa 03.06.20 / 2pm

    I completely agree with your review of this film. This is definitely a good thriller that anyone should watch. The director did a great job in the mise en scene explaining the actors emotions and current situation they were stuck in by placing the camera on the correct angles and facial expressions at the correct moments. The attires and costumes used were simple but definitely make you feel uncomfortable. Muting the film at some parts did give you a bit more adrenaline. The actors in this film definitely look the part, the villain in this movie looks and acts so well to the point where you feel hate towards him.
36. Christian Rios 03.20.21 / 8pm

    This is one of the most suspenseful and intense films I’ve seen on Netflix so far, and is a film I would enjoy to watch to this day. The film even with lack of words was amazing, in this case actions were definitely speaking louder than words. The film was so well made that it makes you the viewer feel like you’re in the shoes of Maddie and you’re fighting for your life trying to escape her crazy ex-boyfriend. The shots in which they were played, played a crucial part in feeling the suspense in the film. With the protagonist being deaf it lead one to feel as one with her, thank you for your review!

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