As a long-time horror enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the genre over the past two decades, I can confidently say that revisiting James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s underappreciated gem, Dead Silence, is a must for any horror fan this Halloween season.
In the upcoming year, it will be twenty years since James Wan and Leigh Whannell revolutionized the horror genre with the release of “Saw.” This movie significantly influenced the style of modern-day horror cinema and propelled both creators into prominence as influential figures in their field, promising bright careers ahead. Over the years, they have continued to be significant contributors to the horror scene, ranking among the most impactful filmmakers currently working in the genre. Although “Saw” remains their iconic mark, it is not their only notable work from their early years.
Why it’s time to revisit 2007’s Dead Silence
Three years following the immense success of “Saw” that produced two sequels in between, Wan and Whannell reunited to create something distinct, a movie that honored classic horror films while also embodying the gritty style they pioneered in the early 2000s. Although it didn’t garner as much acclaim, “Dead Silence,” a film about haunted dolls released over 15 years ago, holds significant importance in the careers of both men and continues to be a delightful thrill ride. Feel free to verify this for yourself, as “Dead Silence” is now available for streaming on Peacock, alongside other fresh Halloween content from the platform.
In the tradition of spooky ghost tales and movies about haunted objects, Dead Silence tells the story of Jamie (Ryan Kwanten), a man from a town with a chilling past. The town was once home to a puppeteer named Mary Shaw who became famous for her dolls that spoke on their own. However, as her ambitions grew darker, the town silenced her forever. Despite the passage of time, the ghost of Mary Shaw still looms large over the place and its inhabitants. When we first encounter Jamie, he believes he’s left all that behind, but his peaceful life is shattered when one of Mary’s long-lost puppets, Billy, shows up at his apartment and murders his wife. Discredited by a skeptical cop (Donnie Wahlberg), Jamie finds himself forced to return home to unravel the mystery surrounding Mary Shaw’s curse once and for all.
In contrast to the complex and grim narrative of “Saw”, “Dead Silence” stands out as an old-fashioned supernatural chiller. Unlike the former, it focuses on establishing a menacing atmosphere, posing a challenge for its protagonist, and then tracking his efforts to overcome it. With a runtime under 90 minutes, a compact cast, and numerous, familiar horror elements, “Dead Silence” effectively taps into common fears, such as unease triggered by dolls – something many can relate to.
In terms of storyline, the film Dead Silence can occasionally be foreseeable and at other instances seem slightly unfinished when compared to the meticulously crafted narrative of Saw. However, this is not the main reason we watch this movie. Instead, Dead Silence serves as a demonstration of a unique set of horror abilities, a talent that directors Wan and Whannell have consistently shown they possess. This film isn’t about a gripping plot; it’s an atmospheric movie. It swaps the grimy tiles and harsh fluorescent lights of Saw‘s world with the dramatic, Gothic touches of decaying old theaters and once-vibrant tourist towns that have seen better days.
Even though the plot may momentarily lag, this film captivates with the chilling landscapes conceived by Wan and Whannell. Mary Shaw’s lair, once revealed, is like a haunted maze filled with intricate details and old-fashioned creepiness that you could explore for hours. The town surrounding it, from the stone-lined funeral home to the cemetery where she was thought to be buried forever, is equally detailed and atmospheric, a place you’d enjoy visiting on a crisp October day, provided you were confident of escaping by nightfall. Lastly, Mary Shaw herself, a woman in black with terrifying characteristics, will linger in your dreams. But don’t let out a scream when you see her; the implications are clear if you’ve watched the movie.
Although Dead Silence may not have left as lasting an impression as Saw, its influence can be seen in the careers of directors James Wan and Leigh Whannell. For instance, observe films like Malignant with its ominous old hospitals and creaky homes or The Invisible Man with its chilling mansion and haunted attic. These filmmakers have shown a keen interest in exploring both the supernatural heights of traditional horror and the intense modern thrills, a trait that can be traced back to Dead Silence. If you’re seeking a spooky movie for Halloween, consider adding it to your Peacock queue. Prepare yourself for encounters with haunted puppets around every corner.
Dead Silence is now streaming on Peacock.
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2024-09-09 17:32