I first saw “Hush” at a girls' sleepover, and being a teenager at the time, I was expecting a scary thriller that I could enjoy with my friends But as the night wore on, we were completely engrossed in the movie and didn't say a word to each other (not even on our cell phones, as teenagers would naturally do) In the end, I thought it was the most intense thriller film I had ever seen

But over a year ago, in April 2023, “Hush” disappeared from Netflix because its distribution license expired, and it remained unavailable for quite some time Now, it is finally available again on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms such as Amazon and Apple TV

If you want to learn more about this incredible thriller, here's why you shouldn't miss your chance to stream it now

“Hush” is a horror thriller about Maddie Young (Kate Siegel), a deaf-mute writer living alone in the woods One night she becomes the target of a masked killer who, upon learning of her condition, decides to torment her, believing her to be an easy victim

The film revolves around a tense game between Maddie and the intruder Despite her disability, Maddie uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to outwit the killer, culminating in a climactic battle for survival The film is notable for its minimal use of dialogue and effective use of visual storytelling and sound design to create an intense atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats

“Hush” grabbed me from the start because it is not your typical horror thriller It is surprisingly clever in the way it builds tension without resorting to dialogue or jump scares Instead, it makes good use of silence and isolation, making every sound, or lack thereof, incredibly significant

The protagonist, Maddy, is deaf and mute I was completely immersed in her experience, imagining what it would be like to not be able to hear the killer creeping around outside her door (and even more unknowingly walking around her house) The film made me too aware of my surroundings, focusing on the tiniest details, like the creaking of floorboards or the movement of shadows

Where “Hush” is clever is when Maddy's obstacles, which the killer initially sees as weaknesses, turn into her greatest strengths I was rooting for her throughout as she used her intelligence and resourcefulness to fight back Without using brute force, she decides to outwit her predators, which not only adds tension to the thriller, but is incredibly satisfying to watch

“Hush” received much praise when it was first released on Netflix, scoring 93% on Rotten Tomatoes; CutPrintFilm's Chris Evangelista says: “The script by Mike Flanagan and Kate Siegel is is as clever as it is always effective, and while 'Hush' doesn't break any new ground, that doesn't mean it isn't a bloody good time”

Dustin Putman of The Fright File, on the other hand, states: 'Hush' will be future material for genre film courses alongside the best of Hitchcock, Carpenter, and De Palma This is how it's done”

“Hush” is a masterclass in suspense, for it turns the familiar horror-thriller genre into something exhilaratingly clever and intensely gripping The film's deft use of silence and the protagonist's confrontation with adversity will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end This unforgettable thriller will definitely be watched again now that it is finally available to watch after a full year

Not into it? Check out the best thriller shows on Netflix or watch this intense sci-fi thriller that recently appeared on Prime Video

Buy or rent “Hush” on Amazon or Apple TV now