Hush (2016)

Genre

Horror | Thriller

Director

Mike Flanagan

Country

USA

Cast

Kate Siegel, John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, Emilia Graves

Storyline

A deaf writer (Kate Siegel) who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer  (John Gallagher Jr.) appears at her window.

Opinion

A couple years ago Jennifer Kent surprised everyone with the outstanding "The Babadook", proving that horror films still have a future. Earlier this year it happened again with "10 Cloverfield Lane". But what are the chances of that happening twice in the same year? Not good considering how bad horror flicks usually are. They are not just plain dumb, but not scary as all.

Well, 2016 gotta be the lucky year because Mike Flanagan did it again with "Hush", this tense, gripping and clever horror film.

Yes, I just used clever and horror film in the same sentence, and the credits go to Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan -- aka Mike Flanagan and Kate Siegel -- for writing the script to this film. Even though the story is basically identical to many films of the past, it is well executed and well paced. At no point it feels dragged, and although the ending is quite predictable, the film keeps you guessing until the end.

Something some viewers complained about is the fact that it's never explained why the "villain" does all the things he does. Personally, it didn't bother me a lot, but I have to admit that any kind of reason behind those acts would have made a more complex character.

That being said, not only Flanagan is able to make you care about the main character, a deaf writer, since the very beginning, but he is also able to make you feel what the character is going through.

Then of course there's Kate Siegel doing a great job in the leading role. With a character that has a lot to do, but nothing to say, she is very believable and she is quite impressive. Lastly there's John Gallagher Jr., who gives an impressive performance as the cold-blooded killer who is after Siegel's character.

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Genre

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Director

Dan Trachtenberg

Country

USA

Cast

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr., Bradley Cooper, Suzanne Cryer, Jamie Clay

Storyline

After getting in a car accident, a woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is held in a shelter with two Howard (John Goodman) and Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), who claim the outside world is affected by a widespread chemical attack.

Opinion

Until a few months ago I was not even aware of this film. It came to my attention after reading many and many people saying it was amazing. At first I was a little skeptical, but when I learnt that Damien Chazelle co-wrote the screenplay my expectation grew exponentially. And thank god the film met my expectations.

A claustrophobic psychological thriller, "10 Cloverfield Lane" has enough tension and mystery to keep you glued to the screen, but without leaving science-fiction aside.

Other than the title, the film has very little in common with "Cloverfield". The story for instance is compelling for the entire runtime leaving room for no dead moments. It does never get boring, uninteresting or predictable. The plot goes from hostage film to horror, then a buddy film to horror again, to beautifully finish with sci-fi, and the transition between a genre and the other is done almost flawlessly.

Dan Trachtenberg's direction is remarkable - if he plays his cards right, he will become a big name in the industry -, and shows so much confidence many directors don't have even after years and years of experience.

The other thing "10 Cloverfield Lane" shares with its predecessor is the producer: J.J. Abrams. Another good news because the trailers have revealed basically nothing, in complete Abrams style.

The best part of the film is the cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a strong and believable performance as Michelle, the girl held hostage, and her likability does really help. John Gallagher Jr. nails his role - I say no more, I don't want to spoil the film. And finally John Goodman, the real star of the film. He has always been associated to comedic roles but here he proves he can do thrillers too. And he captures every single shade of his complex character.

I haven't seen many 2016 films but "10 Cloverfield Lane" is easily one of the best of the year.