Review of Dead Silence (1991) by Kilo D — 20 Oct 2012

"Dead Silence" is listless with its characters and plot, as if no thought was put into their creation, and lively in its cliche mayhem. The story is formulaic and we know what the characters will do; however what is a mystery is who or what is controlling the killer doll(s). On the way to find that answer a wife is murdered in a stylish opening death scene, a skeptic cop follows the widower to a small town to see death himself, and an asinine backstory is introduced.

It's true that "Dead Silence" fails on the basics of storytelling but the visual imaginations of Mr. Wan are best showcased here. What propels "Dead Silence" from being merely 'OK' to entertaining is the cold atmosphere, mist-inundated settings, and make-up and special effects that are so good as to boost the otherwise straightforward investigation schtick to a silly treat. The ending is what really gives "Dead Silence" the extra jolt, for in it we find ourselves lost in a circus of light and shadow, doll's awakening, gore mops the screen and it all ends on a grim, stylistic note.

Moreover, a sequel could deliver the deaths that "Dead Silence" is in short supply of and add to the already icy atmosphere, for it's not as though there's a story or character to continue on with --only to improve upon or try something new. But for now "Dead Silence" is just fine, flaws and all.