Stephen King praises "Hush" as a top modern slasher film. [Image Source: MOVIEWEBIMAGES]
Among the many modern slasher films released in recent years, one stands out as a favorite of Stephen King, who ranks it alongside John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween. This recognition highlights the film’s intense and immersive qualities, which have captivated audiences since its debut in 2016. Known primarily for his successful Netflix series, director Mike Flanagan’s 2016 film Hush is a prime example of a Stephen King modern slasher that blends traditional elements with a fresh, realistic take.
Hush tells the story of Maddie Young, a deaf horror author who lives in isolation in a remote house in the woods. Without any supernatural forces at play, the threat comes from a masked intruder who capitalizes on Maddie’s deafness to launch a terrifying home invasion. The film relies on tension and psychological suspense rather than excessive gore, creating a gripping experience that keeps viewers on edge throughout. Maddie’s unique communication through sign language adds to the vulnerability and suspense, making her struggle to survive both compelling and relatable.
The film stars Kate Siegel as Maddie Young, alongside John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, and Emma Graves. Released on Netflix on April 8, 2016, Hush has earned high acclaim, including a 91% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised it as an
Image of: Stephen King
“intelligent thriller that finds almost constant ways to introduce blood-curdling tension.”
The minimalist setting and straightforward plot allow the film to demonstrate how effective well-crafted horror can be when focused on character and atmosphere.
“Hush follows Maddie Young (Siegel), a deaf writer living alone in a secluded house in the woods whose only form of communication is sign language. Her quiet life turns into a nightmare when a masked killer appears outside her window, realizing she can’t hear him. Trapped and cut off from help, Maddie must use her intelligence, instincts, and resourcefulness to outsmart the intruder and survive the night.”
— Description of the film’s premise
How ‘Hush’ Connects to Mike Flanagan’s Other Works
Fans of Mike Flanagan’s work appreciate the subtle connections he weaves across his projects, and Hush contains one such notable link. Though not obvious at the time of its release, Hush shares ties with Flanagan’s later Netflix series Midnight Mass, which premiered in 2021. In the film, Maddie Young’s critically acclaimed novel is titled Midnight Mass, creating a story-within-a-story element that carries significance beyond Hush itself.
This novel title also appeared in Flanagan’s 2017 adaptation of Gerald’s Game, serving as a recurring motif among his projects. Midnight Mass had been a long-standing passion project for Flanagan, initially conceived as both a book and a screenplay before evolving into the highly regarded series. This interconnected storytelling enhances the experience for fans who follow his body of work closely.
Where to Watch ‘Hush’ Today
As of now, Hush is available for streaming on Peacock, making it accessible to subscribers eager to revisit this tense thriller. For those without a Peacock subscription, the film can also be viewed for free on streaming platforms such as Tubi and Pluto TV. This availability across multiple services ensures that new audiences can discover this standout Stephen King modern slasher well before the next Halloween season.
Hush’s place as a modern slasher film, praised by both critics and Stephen King himself, underscores its lasting impact on the horror genre. Its intense focus on suspense, combined with the grounded portrayal of a vulnerable protagonist, sets a benchmark for contemporary slashers. Given its critical success and dedicated fanbase, the film is likely to remain a go-to choice for viewers seeking chilling entertainment during the Halloween season and beyond.
