A Detailed Look at The Silence (2019)
The Silence is a 2019 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by John R. Leonetti and based on the novel by Tim Lebbon. The movie stars Kiernan Shipka as Ally Andrews, a deaf teenage girl, with Stanley Tucci and Miranda Otto playing her parents. The film explores a terrifying scenario in which the world is suddenly attacked by a species of prehistoric creatures known as “vesps,” who hunt humans by sound. As the creatures spread rapidly across the globe, survivors must learn to live in near-total silence to stay alive.
The story follows the Andrews family as they flee their suburban home for the countryside, hoping to escape the chaos. Ally, who lost her hearing years earlier, proves to be a key asset due to her ability to communicate through sign language. As the family navigates this new, deadly world, they encounter other survivors, both helpful and hostile. One of the more unique narrative threads introduces a sinister cult known as "The Hushed," who have taken a vow of silence and seek to capture Ally for reasons tied to her perceived spiritual significance.
Visually and thematically, The Silence shares many similarities with other sound-based horror films, most notably A Quiet Place. This resemblance led to criticism, with many viewers and critics labeling it as derivative. The film’s tension relies on soundlessness, emphasizing whispering, gestures, and silence in dangerous moments. While these aspects build suspense in early scenes, the film struggles to maintain momentum as the plot progresses.
Kiernan Shipka delivers a committed performance as Ally, portraying both resilience and vulnerability. However, her casting drew criticism due to her being a hearing actor playing a deaf character. Some viewers also pointed out inconsistencies in the American Sign Language (ASL) used throughout the film. Stanley Tucci, as always, provides a grounded and heartfelt portrayal of a protective father, adding emotional depth to the survival narrative.
The vesps themselves are portrayed as vicious, bat-like creatures that breed rapidly and attack at any sound. Their origin, uncovered during the film’s exposition, is linked to an accidental opening of an underground cave system. While their design is moderately effective, the CGI is not particularly groundbreaking, and the creatures feel underexplored beyond their initial threat.
The inclusion of the cult adds a potentially fascinating layer, but unfortunately, this subplot is underdeveloped and rushed. The cult’s eerie silence and their obsession with Ally hint at themes of fanaticism and control, but the film doesn’t fully explore this idea, leaving it feeling more like a missed opportunity than a compelling twist.
The Silence received mostly negative reviews upon release. Critics noted its lack of originality, predictable plot, and weak character development. Despite some solid performances and a few tense moments, the movie failed to stand out in a crowded genre. However, some viewers may still find it entertaining as a casual thriller, particularly those who enjoy creature-feature films with post-apocalyptic settings.
In conclusion, The Silence is a film with an intriguing premise and a few effective moments of suspense, but it ultimately falls short due to its unoriginal execution and underutilized ideas. While not entirely without merit, it is best approached with modest expectations.
