With the latest Netflix thriller, THE SILENCE, we might wonder why the makers are trying hard to overexpose an idea that’s already been explored by others. Yes, we have watched films like “A Quiet Place” and “Bird Box“, but this one from the director John R. Leonetti (“Annabelle”) has no originality.
THE SILENCE is yet another film where we witness apocalyptic earth terrorized by terrifying sound-sensitive creatures. The film shares the same premise as John Krasinski’s much-acclaimed “A Quiet Place”, but is very bad in execution.
It’s not just about our high expectations after watching the earlier or similar horror-thrillers, but also the lack of tense moments and emotional connection. We never get that kind of engagement as everything on the screen becomes predictable without an ounce of suspense.
THE SILENCE – Film Summary
The storyline of THE SILENCE follows 16-year-old Ally Andrews (Kiernan Shipka), who lost her hearing at 13, and her family who seek refuge in a remote haven when the world gets infested with killer bats. These terrifying creatures cannot see anything but are easily attracted to soundwaves that guide them to their prey.
With her traumatic history when Ally lost her hearing ability, she and her family members at least learned to communicate without spoken words. However, we don’t really get deep into sign language in order to get that connection with the characters.
THE SILENCE is one of those films where we don’t really see any definite motive; even though we see characters desperately trying to reach a safe location, we don’t really sense the same, as all the action is delivered as jump scares and there is not much silence to build the tension. In the end, we don’t really find anything special as it ends abruptly.
With stars like Oscar-nominated Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones) and Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), the film could have been good with the right amount of tension and terror.
I feel sorry about the makers, as THE SILENCE is based on a horror novel that was written three years before A Quiet Place was released in theaters. Keeping this fact in count, an original story is warranted with some compelling characterization.
Let’s check out the movie trailer and if you’ve already watched the film, please share your review in the comment section below.
Where to watch The Silence (2019)
