Hush is a lean 81 minute thriller that makes the most of a cat and mouse game with al the advantages and disadvantages a non hearing or speaking main character has to survive. Not only did Shout! Studios wrest the film away from Netflix so we can own it on physical 4K UHD and Blu-ray, but now it includes the alternate “Shush Cut.”
In black and white with no score until the end, the Shush Cut heightens the contrast between the night outside and the light inside Maddie (Katie Siegel)’s house. Once The Man (John Gallagher Jr.) cuts the power, the light sources are minimal and it holds up.
With the emphasized sound, the wind blows behind you and the echoes of Maddie’s inner voice whisper in your ears.
Mike Flanagan, the four main actors, producer Trevor Macy, cinematographer James Kniest and The Newton Brothers all give new interviews. You will learn exactly how they made this movie. Of course, the first time I saw it I couldn’t have appreciated that Maddie’s book is Midnight Mass, and now they explain how she’s essentially writing a scene from the show.
Flanagan’s interview also includes clips of his VHS remake of The Untouchables he made as a kid. They did not show his It remake, perhaps for copyright reasons.
The cast and Flanagan all give a commentary on the film asking each other questions and sharing stories. Then Flanagan and Siegel give another commentary on the Shush Cut focusing on the technical aspects.