Hush (2009): A Movie Review

A film from first time director Mark Tonderai "Hush," focuses on moral responsibility, human trafficking, and the love between central characters Beth and Zakes. Receiving financing from the UK Film Council and currently being distributed through North America by IFC Films "Hush," is a tightly wound thriller that primarily utilizes action sequences in place of dialogue to tell a tale of human depravity. Intense throughout the film offers well executed action sequences and a flair for the imaginative in ninety-one minutes flat.

The plot and story mostly revolves around characters Beth (Christine Bottomley) and Zakes (William Ash) who, unbelievably, encounter human trafficking on the English M-1. After witnessing a woman caged in the back of a generic white lorry Zakes reports the incident to police, but carries on as if business as usual. This scene hints at the films underlining message that each of us, the viewers, have a moral responsibility to look out for each other or seek justice in difficult circumstances. However, Zakes does not realize this in the early scenes and after losing his girlfriend, to the same human trafficker (Andreas Wisniewski), he finally decides to become the hero temporarily as he chases, beats, becomes crucified, and then dispatches the villain via cargo container in the final few scenes.

"Hush," for a first time outing is devilishly clever in its execution of story. Despite a lack of dialogue in the second half of the film Tonderai manages to find his stride while displaying, subtly, a second craft his love of djaying throughout the film. Not really adding much in the way of uniqueness to the man versus man, or hero versus villain story Tonderai does deliver enough twists along the way to keep a viewing surprising at times and intense during others.

Few flaws, with the exception of a couple continuity errors, means that the film holds together on a visual level, but due to an uncomplex plot "Hush," seems to leave the memory shortly after viewing, even after months of anticipation. Some of the elements that the film connects with correctly is the use of impressionistic lighting on the M-1 with the effective use of yellow colouring. As well, the acting from a semi-experienced cast comes off believably and becomes enjoyable to watch as characters battle each other in various settings. The arguments, or ups and downs between characters Beth and Zakes is also full of intense dialogue initially and the sub-plot of infidelity is a very common challenge that viewers will be able to connect with. On the other hand, the sparseness of Theo Green's score that is absent in parts and too subtle in other takes away from a possible heightening of intensity. And the unbelievability of human trafficking occurring in England does come of as imaginative, but fails on a realistic level.

After taking in "Hush," from beginning to end most viewers will feel they have gotten there moneys worth and that the ninety-one minute visit through Yorkshire, England was a fun experience. From Mark Tonderai this is an excellent first outing and here is hoping that this director and writer continues his filmmaking career into the future. Also, emphasizing the acting abilities of Christine Bottomley, William Ash and "28 Days Later," actor Stuart McQuarrie the success of "Hush," and the ability to receive international distribution, with the help of IFC Films, means that these actors will likely be seen in future film productions.

"Hush," can now be seen at the IFC Films video-on-demand website as of April 8, 2009. Winner of the British Independent Film Award for Best Achievement in Production this film must be seen by fans of intense thrillers that are light on dialogue and full of action. Visit the IFC Films website below for more details, or the films official website for ordering information.

7 Crushed Skulls out of 10.

"Hush," at IFC Films...

Hush at IFC Films Video-On-Demand

"Hush," myspace page below...

Hush Homepage

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