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The Silence

The Silence

2010Miniseries1 season4 episodes~60 min/epNot RatedMidcredits score: 40th percentile of all shows

A deaf girl witnesses the audacious murder of a policewoman.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Silence?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Silence streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video (free), The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free).

Subscription

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Reception

Is The Silence worth watching?

The Silence's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all shows, from 1.5K ratings across 2 sources. 67% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of shows

31st percentile among Crime38th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)37th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

68 /100

37th percentile of all shows

31st percentile among Crime36th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

67% liked it

44th percentile of all shows

32nd percentile among Crime42nd percentile among 2010s
67% rated it 7–1033% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

49th percentile

1.5K ratings across platforms

28th percentile among Crime55th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 17% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A tense, well-acted police thriller that builds gripping suspense but stumbles badly with a non-ending that leaves nearly every plot thread hanging.

Fans praised

  • Compelling performance by Genevieve Barr as the deaf protagonist
  • Edge-of-seat tension and relentless atmosphere
  • Strong ensemble cast led by Douglas Henshall

Detractors panned

  • Maddeningly unresolved ending that provides no closure
  • Illogical character decisions undermine credibility
  • Overwrought family drama and constant shouting

What stands out

Atmosphere72

Relentless tension praised even by some detractors

Acting70

Barr and Henshall praised; some detractors find Henshall's performance histrionic

Pacing65

First three episodes taut; final episode meanders

Originality55

Deaf protagonist angle fresh but execution derivative

Plot and storyDivisive40

Engaging premise devolves into implausible, unresolved storytelling

Dialogue40

Over-reliance on shouting; some unnatural exchanges

Characters35

Unlikable, illogical behavior frustrates both camps

Ending10

Universally panned as abrupt, incomplete, unsatisfying

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Season 1 · 2010 · 4 episodes

  • S1E1
    S1E1

    Episode 1

    Jul 12, 201060 min
  • S1E2
    S1E2

    Episode 2

    Jul 13, 201060 min
  • S1E3
    S1E3

    Episode 3

    Jul 14, 201060 min
  • S1E4
    S1E4

    Episode 4

    Jul 15, 201060 minFinale

Watch experience

What is The Silence like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you angry.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 3% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedSingle-season story
ToneThe series treats its serious subject matter with complete sincerity, maintaining a dark and brooding atmosphere.
The rideThe series builds tension through the investigation while exploring Amelia's personal conflict, with the heaviest emotional pressure during the middle episodes as the corruption closes in.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically over four episodes, following a single investigation.
Episode formatThe episodes follow a continuous story from Amelia witnessing the murder through the resolution of the corruption investigation.
Season formatThe limited series tells one complete story over its four episodes.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Infuriating · 4% of shows: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.Unsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe series builds a gripping conspiracy but ends abruptly with the main character in danger and the villains unpunished, leaving viewers frustrated and uneasy.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% (this title) · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Institutional injustice: A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).

18% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series follows a police officer and his niece as they uncover a police corruption conspiracy after a murder is witnessed.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

IdentityJustice · 14% of showsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Amelia's struggle to find her place between deaf and hearing worlds, while the corruption she uncovers forces her to question whom she can trust.
StanceThe series interrogates how systemic corruption exploits and endangers vulnerable individuals, while also examining the personal cost of identity struggles.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · John Lunn
SettingA British city navigating police corruption and a young deaf woman's integration into hearing society.
MusicThe score underscores the tension without overpowering the dialogue, reflecting Amelia's internal experience.

Content guide

Is The Silence okay for kids?

Not Rated

The Silence is not rated. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at moderate (58/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • Brazil12
  • Spain13
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (17 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Silence have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Silence?

Cast

Genevieve Barr
as Amelia
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Douglas Henshall
as Jim
Dervla Kirwan
as Maggie
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Harry Ferrier
as Tom
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Gina McKee
as Anne
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Hugh Bonneville
as Chris
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richie Campbell
as Rocky
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rebecca Oldfield
as Sophie
Del Synnott
as Terry
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nick Nevern
as Ely
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

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