The estimable trio at the heart of the cast goes close to carrying the whole thing over the line, but it never feels as taut or kinetic as it needs to be.

There may come a time when the Netflix algorithm grows sophisticated enough to cut out the middle man and write its own scripts, but until that day arrives, niche-targeted dreck like "The Silence" will have to suffice.

Imagine A Quiet Place, but deeply mediocre.

The Silence has been reasonably well made by director John R. Leonetti. And he has assembled a surprisingly classy cast.