‘The Silence’ Explained: Creatures, Cults & Survival in the Horror Movie

‘The Silence’ is a 2019 horror film that blends post-apocalyptic terror with sound-based suspense. While often compared to ‘A Quiet Place’, ‘The Silence’ has its own unique storyline, focusing on a world invaded by deadly creatures known as Vesps—flying monsters that hunt anything that makes noise. Set in a muted world, ‘The Silence’ explores the lengths people will go to survive when sound becomes a death sentence.

The creatures in ‘The Silence’ are ancient, blind, and vicious. Released from a cave system, they spread rapidly, wiping out anyone who made even the slightest sound. As cities fall into chaos, the Andrews family escapes to the countryside in hopes of finding a safe haven. With their daughter Ally, who is deaf, the family already communicates using sign language, giving them a slight advantage in this noise-free nightmare. ‘The Silence’ uses this family dynamic to create moments of quiet tension and emotional depth.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

But ‘The Silence’ doesn’t stop with just monsters. The film introduces a disturbing cult known as The Hushed. This group sees the Vesps as divine punishment and believes silence is a path to salvation. Their twisted ideology adds a new layer of horror, as they attempt to take Ally due to her ability to live in silence. This cult element gives ‘The Silence’ a unique edge, exploring how human threats can be just as terrifying as supernatural ones.

Survival in the movie is not just about staying quiet—it’s about adapting to a completely transformed world. The film shows society’s rapid collapse and how desperation breeds both ingenuity and cruelty. The tension between survival and morality plays out as the family faces impossible choices.

Image Courtesy: Netflix

Despite criticisms for its similarities to other films, ‘The Silence’ offers its own take on silent horror. It emphasises family bonds, the dangers of fanaticism, and the unpredictability of nature. For fans of creature features and apocalyptic stories, The Silence delivers a chilling, if understated, experience.

In conclusion, ‘The Silence’ stands out for its combination of monsters, cults, and survival themes. With a muted world full of threats—both human and otherwise—it invites viewers to consider how far they’d go when even a whisper could mean death. Whether you’re new to ‘The Silence’ or revisiting it, the film offers more than meets the ear.

–Farheen Ali