Dead Silence
Performance & Direction: Dead Silence Review
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dead Silence (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dead Silence features a noteworthy lineup led by Ryan Kwanten . Supported by the likes of Amber Valletta and Donnie Wahlberg , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Dead Silence
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, Dead Silence is a Horror film directed by James Wan. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ryan Kwanten.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Jamie returns to his hometown in search of answers to his wife's murder, which occurred after receiving a weird package containing a ventriloquist dummy named Billy, which may be linked to the legend of ventriloquist Mary Shaw. Destined to find out the truth, Jamie goes to the town of Raven's Fair, where Shaw used to perform and is buried. But Jamie is in for more than he expected. Director James Wan uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ryan Kwanten's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Dead Silence
Ending Breakdown: Directed by James Wan, Dead Silence concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Ryan Kwanten, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dead Silence reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dead Silence?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ryan Kwanten or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Dead Silence
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $22.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Dead Silence Budget
The estimated production budget for Dead Silence is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Dead Silence
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Dead Silence Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeDead Silence Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about Dead Silence age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dead Silence is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Dead Silence is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead Silence worth watching?
Dead Silence is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dead Silence parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dead Silence identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dead Silence?
The total duration of Dead Silence is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Dead Silence
How Dead Silence Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Dead Silence
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Ryan Kwanten
