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A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

June 28, 2024 / Paramount Pictures Canada

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Djimon Hounsou, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Elijah Ungvary

Directed By: Michael Sarnoski

Experience the day the world went quiet. As aliens crash land into the streets of New York, people realize they are in trouble and begin screaming. They soon discover that these monsters can only detect their prey by noise — and the world goes quiet. Deadly quiet.

Sam (Lupita Nyong'o) is visiting New York City on a day trip with her cat, Frodo. Trapped under a car, she's rescued by a stranger named Eric (Joseph Quinn). As the attacks continue, she teams up with another stranger (Djimon Hounsou) as they hide where they believe they won't be detected, but it's more difficult than they could imagine to not make a sound, not even a small sound.

Written By Darren Zakus - 6.27.24

Rating 3.5 out of 5

A Quiet Place: Day One features astonishing sound design like its predecessors, that combined with an intelligent and sentimental story from John Krasinski and director Michael Sarnoski about human connection and one riveting lead performance from Lupita Nyong’o, results in one emotionally gripping horror film.


Back in 2018, John Krasinski took moviegoers by storm and left them shaken with A Quiet Place. It was easily one of the most inventive horror films in recent memory, weaponizing sound against both the characters and audience that had movie houses shrouded in an unusual and unsettling quietness, that left this reviewer petrified to the extent that eating popcorn during the movie was too nerve wracking. Its direct sequel proved to be one of the best horror sequels in recent years, and for the series third entry, Michael Sarnoski takes over the director’s chair from Krasinski. For those who have seen Sarnoski’s previous film Pig, they will no doubt be more prepared for what he has in store for this prequel, as while it has the DNA of the previous two films, it is very much its own artistic vision for this world. While the film maintains the large scale monster driven horror as the film explores the first few days of the alien invasion in New York City, it is Sarnoski’s focus on human connection and our resilience in times of great peril that creates the beating heart of the film and makes for another unique and unforgettable entry in the franchise.


We got a glimpse of the chaos of the beginning of the alien invasion in the opening scene of A Quiet Place: Part II, but this time setting is further explored in this newest entry. Being set in New York City, which is without question one of the loudest cities in the world, there is an inherent tension and unsettling nature to see the city empty and absolutely still on the big screen. It perfectly fits into the world created by Krasinski, Bryan Woods and Scott Beck in the previous films, setting the audience on edge and causing them to hold their breath in fear, scared to make a sound while watching the film. There are some strong set pieces where the horror rings loud and clear, which will no doubt elevate the audiences’ heart beat.


Though, it is the human story at the centre of the story by Krasinski and Sarnoski that is the beating heart of the film. Despite very little dialogue, the depth in which the friendship that blossoms between Samira and Eric is great, emotionally investing the audience in these characters on this touching journey across New York for pizza while surviving this deadly new world. The result is some endearing and tender moments in the middle act of the film that will fill your heart with joy despite the inherent dread present in the film. It all builds to the thrilling final act where the heart of the character driven story bubbles over into the monster mayhem, resulting in the perfect ending for not only the characters but the story being told that will no doubt tug on your heart strings and maybe cause the odd tear to be shed. And the film’s final moments, well, they are absolutely breathtaking with a last shot to rival the iconic ending of the first film with Emily Blunt pumping the gauge on the shotgun. Compared to the first two films, it's a vastly different story less focused on the horror and not absolutely terrifying, but it captures the spirit of the franchise with a fresh perspective that may not be what audiences are expecting from the film, creating a distinct and rewarding experience.


It should be no surprise, but when your film stars Lupita Nyong’o in the leading role, her performance is going to be the element of the film that sticks with the audience long after the credits have finished rolling. As Samira, Nyong’o brings a vulnerability to the film as this young woman dying of cancer who finds herself stuck in the middle of an alien invasion. Without uttering a word, Nyong’o conveys Samira’s pain and suffering with a heartbreaking intensity. Through her expressive facial movements and body language, you can feel every ounce of Samira’s struggle that bonds you to her character. At the same time, Nyong’o ensures that you feel the joy that Samira encounters during her journey across New York City as her friendship with Joseph Quinn’s Eric develops. It's yet another fantastic performance from Nyong’o, and one that is more than deserving of awards attention later this year… but sadly will most likely go overlooked due to the film being in the horror genre. Quinn is great as Eric, commanding your attention with his screen presence that proves his movie star potential through his largely silent performance. As a pairing, Nyong’o and Quinn light up the screen with the endearing bond of friendship that they forge between their characters as they fight to survive with the levity between them and care for each other that is instantly evident. But it is Frodo the Cat that consistently steals the film with his lovable personality, curious nature, and undeniable love for both Samira and Eric. It’s hard to imagine anyone stealing the show from Nyong’o, but the cats that play Frodo do so easily and ensure that Frodo will be the most beloved member of this spinoff.


As with the first two films in the series, the sound design is flawless and the standout element of the film. Every rustle of clothing, crunch of debris on the ground, heavy breathing by the characters, or clicking of the aliens is heard with a piercing clarity, continuing to weaponize sound against the audience to mess with their senses. It creates a haunting element to the film with the shots of New York City looking so barren, playing against what you mind immediately associates with this famous city, while dialing up the tension when the monsters are on screen. Partnered with strong effects work to bring to life the aliens that have invaded New York City, you have one worthy summer blockbuster that is certain to thrill and entertain audiences.


Even without the presence of the Abbott family, the A Quiet Place franchise shows no sign of slowing down creatively thanks to a fresh and emotionally charged entry in the series. While there is a distinguishing different focus than the previous two films in the series, placing a larger emphasis on the character drama rather than the terrifying alien invasion that defined the previous films, it's nonetheless a riveting cinematic experience that will lift your spirits witnessing humanity’s resilience while simultaneously making your heart race. With a stellar lead performance from Lupita Nyong’o, an engaging story from John Krasinski and Michael Sarnoski that will no doubt tug on the audiences’ heartstrings, and the signature outstanding sound design to plunge audiences into a terrifying silence, A Quiet Place: Day One is both a thrilling horror film and a compelling character piece that makes for one rewarding summer blockbuster.

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