10 Horror Movie Characters Who Don't Say Anything

Released on Netflix without much fanfare, home invasion horror Hush seemed to be like any other generic genre outing on first appearance. Directed and co-written by horror icon Mike Flanagan, though, this underrated flick is a taut, edge-of-your-seat thriller which subverted genre conventions in unexpected ways.

Set within an isolated house in the woods, the plot sees deaf-mute author Maddie (Kate Siegel, who co-wrote the film) settle in for the night to finish her latest novel. However, it’s not long before things take a sinister turn when the writer becomes terrorised by a masked man trying to break into her home. A tense game of cat and mouse ensues, as Maddie attempts to stay one step ahead of the intruder.

Although her disability means that she’s unable to hear the stranger, Maddie is smart and resourceful enough to fight back – if only just. It’s this clever writing which keeps viewers invested in her plight while continuing to wind the suspense.

While Maddie’s internal thoughts are expressed audibly at certain points, the character herself never speaks a word throughout the film, instead communicating through sign language and writing.

A sharp twist on a familiar formula, Hush never fails to thrill and surprise.