Underrated Horror Movie of the Month: DEAD SILENCE
Jamie Ashen (Ryan Kwanten) receives a strange package containing a ventriloquist doll. Soon after receiving the item, someone brutally murders his wife. The police see Jamie as the only suspect. Since the doll is the only clue to what may have happened, Jamie heads back to his hometown, Raven's Fair, to hold his wife's funeral.
RELATED: Underrated Horror Movie of the Month: Mischief Night
The town, like most small towns, has a local ghost story. Mary Shaw, a skilled ventriloquist, was hunted down by townsfolk after being accused of kidnapping a local boy. When the mob found her, they cut out her tongue and killed her. They buried her with all her dolls, which she called her 'children.' Ever since her death, the town has suffered many strange deaths.
Can Jamie and the detective following him discover who or what murdered his wife? Or will he end up another victim? 'Beware the stare of Mary Shaw; she has no children, only dolls. And if you see her in your dreams, be sure you never, ever scream.'
Dead Silence also stars Donnie Wahlberg, Laura Regan, Michael Fairman, Bob Gunton, Amber Valletta and Judith Roberts. James Wan directed, and he and Leigh Whannell wrote the story.
RELATED: Every Saw Movie, Ranked
This only film has a 20 percent Tomatometer rating and a 51 percent Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fun Facts: This film is from the creators of Saw , and the doll from that movie makes a brief appearance in one scene of Dead Silence . Additionally, replicas of Edgar Bergen's doll Charlie McCarthy and Jimmy Nelson's doll Danny O'Day made cameos. My Thoughts on Dead Silence
I love this movie. The atmosphere is eerie and suspenseful, the twist is intriguing and the dolls are creepy. It is everything I want in a film within this subgenre. I eagerly consume every movie I can find about haunted or possessed dolls. Some examples include Child's Play , Robert the Doll and Annabelle . A few are genuine hits, and others are epic misses. This one is an out-of-the-park homerun.
RELATED: Movie Review: Child's Play
First, let's get into the story. Mary Shaw is consistently portrayed as an imposing figure. Every scene has her shrouded in darkness and only associating with her dolls. After her death, she wants revenge on those who wrongly accused her and ultimately caused her demise. Then, we segue into Jamie investigating his wife's murder. At first, the two things do not seem connected, but as the story progresses, the connections fall into place.
The final twist in the narrative is one of my favorite parts of the movie. I've noticed some critics have said the twist is predictable. Many years have passed since I watched Dead Silence for the first time, but I certainly did not see the twist coming. Now, it seems a bit more obvious. However, I have seen the film countless times and know it inside and out. Therefore, my ability to see the clues should not be compared to someone seeing it for the first time.
RELATED: Top 5 Rules for Surviving a Horror Movie
I am a fan of Ryan Kwanten, who did a spectacular job in this film. Likewise, all of the other actors did well. My least favorite performance is Laura Regan as Lisa Ashen, Jamie's wife. I can't put my finger on why, but something about her scenes made me cringe.
The effects are, in short, incredible. The way Mary Shaw's ghost looks evokes a sense of dread. Another point for the effects team is the dolls. Without saying too much, there is a scene with all the dolls that is freaky. The effects are brilliant. Final Thoughts
This is an epic, creepy film that is vastly underrated. I recommend any horror lover watch it at least once. Especially if you are a fan of haunted dolls; also, if you have a fear of ventriloquists, approach with caution.
RELATED: Annabelle Comes Home Spoiler Review
I can't talk about this film without mentioning one quick point of interest. The doll that Jamie and Lisa receive at the beginning of the film bears a striking resemblance to Slappy from R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books.
There you have it, horror fans, another underrated horror in the books. Let me know what you think of Dead Silence in the comments, and don't forget to let me know which movie you think I should feature next.
Before you go, take a look at the Dead Silence trailer below. Stay spooky and watch more horror movies!
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/take-our-quiz-to-find-out-which-horror-movie-character-you-are/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
14 minutes ago
- Fox News
GREAT AMERICANS: Gary Sinise, Actor, Author, Musician, and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation
On today's edition of the Guy Benson Show and Fox News Audio's Great Americans series, Gary Sinise, actor, author, musician & founder of Gary Sinise Foundation joined the program. Sinise's stage, film and television career has spanned more than four decades. In 1974, at 18 years old, he co-founded Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company. 20 years later, for his performance as Lt Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, he received nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards, and earned the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review and the Commander's Award from the Disabled American Veterans. Other film credits include Apollo 13, Ransom, Snake Eyes, Impostor, The Green Mile, Mission to Mars and The Human Stain. For over 40 years, Gary has stood as an advocate on behalf of America's service members. In 2003, after several USO handshake tours, he formed the 'Lt. Dan Band' and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. Over the years, the 13-piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. In 2011, to expand upon his individual efforts, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation with the mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need. The foundation remains committed to finding new and exciting ways to give back to those who sacrifice for our nation and encouraging others to do the same has become his personal quest and what he hopes will endure as a legacy of service to others. In 2008, he was given the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. He is only the third actor ever to receive this honor. Listen to Guy's full interview with Gary Sinise below! Listen to the full interview below: Listen to more from the Guy Benson Show below:
Gizmodo
15 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
The Must-Have Gear to Survive and Thrive Summer Con Season
The summer for fan destination travelers is jam-packed with conventions, theme parks, and maybe some beach time. San Diego Comic-Con is, after all, in sunny Southern California. That Hall H line is essentially right on the Pacific coast, so why not queue up in style and comfort? Roll up with the kids in an official One Piece Wonderfold Wagon, travel with rebel Star Wars style on the train, and please don't forget to deodorize (we beg) with Dr. Squatch's Avengers body collection. Here's our list of top travel essentials you should remember to pack: Heroes and Villains 'Star Wars' Rebel Trudger Duffle ($120.00) Keep all your cargo nearby with this duffle bag that's perfectly suited to carry an extended weekend's worth of clothes. Casetify x 'Star Wars' (Prices vary) Accessorize your tech with Casetify's Star Wars collection, with an extensive line that features phone cases, power banks, and more. Recharge with Liquid I.V. (Prices vary) Hail hydration! These on-the-go packets will keep you going on long days and late nights during your trip. Quiksilver Beach Chair ($70.70) Park yourself in line for Hall H with this lightweight and easy-to-carry beach chair from Quiksilver. RYOBI Lithium Clamp Fan Kit ($39.97) Keep cool with an attachable fan clamp from RYOBI available at the Home Depot. Dr. Squatch featuring Marvel, Godzilla, and more (Prices vary) Deodorize and wash up for those sweaty convention days with Dr. Squatch. The bath and body brand currently has Marvel, Star Wars, and Minecraft themed deodorant sticks alongside an assortment of fandom soaps. Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' HERBIE Tumbler ($24.99) The future retro art on this HERBIE tumbler is a neat touch to celebrate the comic book favorite companion coming to the big screen. And like the trusty robot, this receptacle is a cute, gentle reminder to keep drinking water. Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' HERBIE Pillow (Prices vary) Let HERBIE provide comfort whether you're needing extra support in hotel rooms or sleeping overnight outside to make sure to get into Hall H. Retrospekt Barbie and Ken Preloaded 35mm Cameras ($49.00) Make some fun memories with a throwback touch by taking 35mm pics with this Barbie and Ken single-use camera set. Tomorrowland x Loop Experience 2 Earplugs ($39.95) Crowds can be intense whether you're in a packed panel or at a live show. Thankfully, Loop has you covered if you're feeling a little overwhelmed with their latest releases of colorful earplugs. Wonderfold: 'One Piece' Thousand Sunny Stroller Wagon (Starting at $729.00) Sail through the crowds at upcoming conventions with your little Straw Hats in the Wonderfold x One Piece collab that's a truly adorable ride for small fans. Cybex Coya Stroller ($599.95) Ultra-compact and plane cabin ready, the Coya folds with one hand and meets requirements for convention hall-approved-size strollers. DC Studios 'Superman' x RSVLTS (Prices vary) RSVLTS has released its Superman collection, which features the brand's staple button-up short sleeves with classic and new icons for the DC Studios hero. 'Jaws' x Goodr Sunglasses For the Amblin classic's 50th anniversary, Goodr has released limited edition Jaws eyewear. These are perfect for the summer if you plan on standing around outside for a while in the sun. JBL Tour One M3 ($399.95) Whether you're passing the time in line or working on your content reaction to the latest news out of the convention, tune out all other noise with JBL's Tour One M3. The over-the-ear headphones allow for ease of use in any bustling situation. JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95) The JBL Tour Pro 3 ear buds are great for on-the-go calls while traveling or listening to audio in packed places. RYOBI Compact Hand Vacuum Cleaner Kit ($99.98) Take this cordless vacuum from RYOBI on the go. Perfect for the road trip down to San Diego for snack messes or to keep in your room in case of styrofoam messes while repacking collectibles for longer travel. Home Depot: 6 ft. 8-Outlet Surge Protector Mini Tower ($29.78) Make sure to have all your tech plugged in to recharge. This mini tower features USB-C and USB-A slots in addition to standard plug inserts. Crocs x 'Superman' ($69.99) Rest those feet in the latest DC Comics x Crocs release inspired by Superman. Stay tuned to io9 for the latest out of SDCC 2025! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
CBS News
25 minutes ago
- CBS News
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance showcases wild animal antics videos on social media
With millions of videos on various social media platforms, it can be difficult to stick out, let alone reach millions, yet the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has found a way to do just that. Over the last several years, the digital content team at the zoo has worked very hard to take all that happens at the zoo and present it in a new light. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's TikTok account. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance "The way that we do animal care is always evolving, the way we think about conservation is evolving, so the way that we communicate it should also evolve," said Erica Haase, Digital Content Manager. Countless videos posted by the team in Denver have gone viral, reaching millions and millions of viewers. "There is so much that happens behind the scenes, and we get to tell, we would love to share with every single person, and that is why social media is such a powerful tool," said Dailyn Sounder, the Digital Content Coordinator. Dailyn shoots a lot of the video from the zoo for its social media pages. "A photograph can say a million things, but a video can say a million more, and when it comes to integrating humor, we can do that in a way that is not only informative but inspiring," says Sounder. The Denver Zoo's Digital Content Coordinator Dailyn Sounder tapes a social media video with Digital Content Manager Erica Haase. CBS Many of the videos not only feature the silly nature of some of the animals, but also tell bigger picture stories of the work being done at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. "A really interesting element of the zoo is that we have a state-of-the-art animal hospital – and we take care of all of our animals, not just our four-legged creatures, but our aquarium creatures. The fish getting a CT scan being held in a bucket with sponges holding it up, keeping it wet, was such a fun, interesting thing to go out into the world," Sounder says. Many of the videos show the animals at the zoo, just doing what they do, paired with trending audio from pop culture. Others take that special work done behind the scenes and bring it to millions across the world. "Likes are great, and that is fun for me to see, but there is more to the story with social media. Social media is such a powerful tool to reach new audiences and connect with people, and invite people to be part of our mission," says Haase. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance If you want to get a good laugh or learn something new, give the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance a follow on Instagram and TikTok.
