9 Years Later, the Modern Horror Slasher Stephen King Compared to ‘Halloween’ Is Still Perfect Viewing for Spooky Season

Recent years have seen a surge in quality slasher films, but only one has earned a comparison to the original classic, *Halloween*, according to Stephen King. That’s a huge compliment, and well-deserved – this movie creates a similarly gripping and intense atmosphere. Released in 2016, it’s gained a dedicated following over the past decade, though it’s often overshadowed by the numerous popular Netflix series created by its director, Mike Flanagan.

I have to tell you about *Hush*, one of my favorite modern horror movies by director Mike Flanagan! It’s a slasher film, but it’s so smart about how it uses the familiar tropes of the genre. What I really loved is that it feels incredibly realistic – it’s basically a home invasion story, but terrifying. The killer isn’t some supernatural being, just a masked man, and the protagonist, Maddie, is a deaf horror author who communicates through sign language. The remote setting really cranks up the tension. It’s not overly gory, but trust me, *Hush* is absolutely phenomenal and had me shouting at the screen – it’s a truly gripping experience!

Released on Netflix on April 8, 2016, *Hush* quickly gained popularity with both viewers and critics. Featuring Kate Siegel, John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, and Emma Graves, the film boasts a 91% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many have praised it as a smart and genuinely scary thriller, highlighting its ability to build constant tension. *Hush* is a reminder of how effective horror can be when focused on a simple story and setting.

Hush tells the story of Maddie Young, a deaf writer who lives in isolation in a remote cabin. She relies on sign language to communicate. When a masked killer shows up at her window, he quickly realizes Maddie can’t hear him, turning her peaceful life into a terrifying fight for survival. Cut off from the outside world, Maddie must use her wits, intuition, and strength to outsmart the attacker and make it through the night.

‘Hush’ Shares a Connection With Another Mike Flanagan Favorite


Netflix

A fun part of watching anything Mike Flanagan directs is trying to find all the hidden references he includes. His film *Hush* is no different. While it wasn’t obvious at the time of its release in 2016, viewers now notice a significant connection between *Hush* and his later Netflix series, *Midnight Mass*, which came out in 2021.

Sharp viewers may have noticed that the novel written by the character Maddie Young in the show *Hush* is also titled *Midnight Mass*, creating a story-within-a-story effect. Flanagan also included the novel in his 2017 adaptation of *Gerald’s Game*, subtly keeping it visible to audiences over time. *Midnight Mass* was a project Flanagan had been developing for years – he originally envisioned it as a book, then a screenplay, before it finally became the Netflix series we see now.

You can watch *Hush* on Peacock if you’re a subscriber, or for free on Tubi or Pluto TV.

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2025-10-17 19:21