“The Silence” is a 2019 horror-thriller film directed by John R. Leonetti, based on the 2015 novel by Tim Lebbon. It explores a terrifying world where humanity is besieged by ancient, carnivorous creatures known as “vesps,” which have been released from an underground cave system. These creatures are blind but have an acute sense of hearing, attacking anything that makes noise.
The story follows Ally Andrews (played by Kiernan Shipka), a teenage girl who lost her hearing in a car accident years prior, and her family as they attempt to survive in this newly dangerous world. Ally, her parents Hugh (Stanley Tucci) and Kelly (Miranda Otto), her younger brother Jude, and her grandmother Lynn embark on a desperate journey to find safety. Because Ally is deaf, the family is skilled at communicating silently through sign language, giving them a unique advantage in this sound-sensitive environment.
As the world around them descends into chaos, the Andrews family must navigate through treacherous territory while staying silent to avoid detection by the vesps. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, but not all of them are trustworthy. One of the most dangerous human threats they face comes from a sinister cult known as “The Reverend,” who see Ally’s ability to live in silence as a gift they must exploit. The cult leader wants to use Ally to further their twisted religious beliefs.
The film draws parallels to similar horror films like A Quiet Place, where silence becomes a survival mechanism. The tension builds around the question of whether the family can maintain their silence in the face of increasing threats. With Ally’s deafness at the center of the narrative, the film explores the theme of how disability can be a source of strength and adaptability in dire circumstances.
Ultimately, “The Silence” is a survival story that combines the horrors of nature and humanity, with the characters constantly balancing fear, hope, and family loyalty in the face of overwhelming odds.
