- Director: Michael Sarnoski
- Release Date: Jun 27-2024
- Running Time: 1h 40m
- Production Companies: Platinum Dunes, Sunday Night Productions
- Distribution Companies: Paramount Pictures
The film ‘’A Quiet Place: Day One’’ transforms into a truly singular blockbuster movie that sheds the immersive spectacle of the first movie in favor of something more tender and wistful. This shift in tone results in a wonderful movie where the actors do a fantastic job, delivering a poignant and emotionally driven narrative.
A Quiet Place was my first venture into horror when it came to watching it in a cinema. Known as a scaredy-cat, I was initially apprehensive. However, A Quiet Place Day One opened my eyes to a world of horror in a way I’d never seen before. Typically, when something scares you, your first instinct is to scream or, in my case, binge-eat popcorn. But watching A Quiet Place Day One made me feel like I couldn’t make a single noise in the theatre, creating an incredibly immersive experience.
This franchise, which began with a single film, has now expanded into a significant cinematic universe, with its third installment taking the form of a prequel. Additionally, a highly anticipated AAA video game is set to release later this year. While A Quiet Place wasn’t John Krasinski’s directorial debut, it was the film that cemented his reputation as a filmmaker. Since then, he has continued to excel in his craft, and I love the film for it.
In this third installment, Krasinski steps back from directing, taking on the role of producer, a position he also held for the first two films. Despite this change, he continues to contribute to the emotionally humane storytelling that defines this prequel.
A Quiet Place: Day One delves into the first day of the alien apocalypse depicted in the previous films. We follow Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a cancer patient thrust into chaos as she searches across New York for something that will bring her happiness. Accompanied by her adorable cat and Eric (Joseph Quinn), whom she meets along the way, Samira’s journey is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
The film opens with Sam in a hospice, facing the bleak reality of her condition with little hope for the future. This cold and somber beginning perfectly sets the tone, distinguishing it from its predecessors. While survival remains a central theme, this movie also explores inner peace and the bonds formed during desperate times.
Unlike the first two films, which thrived on the tension of isolated settings where silence was crucial, A Quiet Place: Day One transitions to the bustling city. This new environment offers a different kind of tension, though it doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its urban setting. Two standout scenes effectively utilize the city backdrop one early in the film before Sam meets Eric, and another in the climactic final act. This character-driven story prioritizes the development of its two main characters, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar horror universe.
Michael Sarnoski’s screenplay is beautifully written, with moments that make you fall in love with the characters. It’s rare for horror fila quiet placms to feature such well-developed, relatable characters, and this narrative, crafted by Sarnoski and Krasinski, highlights Krasinski’s prowess as a storyteller. This film isn’t just terrifying; it’s emotional and touching, leaving you in happy tears by the end.
The film’s success is bolstered by an eerie and intense score by Alexis Grapsas and, most importantly, the astonishing performances of Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. Nyong’o exceeds expectations, delivering a powerful portrayal of Sam that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Quinn, known for his role in Stranger Things, proves his versatility with a compelling performance that demonstrates his potential.
Among the supporting cast, Djimon Hounsou shines despite limited screen time, reprising his role from A Quiet Place Part 2 (2020) in a way that connects the film’s storyline beautifully. And let’s not forget the cat, who, against all odds, survives and provides comfort and warmth to Samira, stealing the show with its presence.
Overall, A Quiet Place: Day One is a fantastic addition to the franchise, blending horror with heartfelt storytelling. The actors make a fantastic job of bringing this emotional tale to life, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.