REVIEW: “A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024)

As a huge fan of the “A Quiet Place” series, I was both excited and apprehensive about the release of “A Quiet Place: Day One”. John Krasinski’s previous films in the franchise were masterpieces of tension and emotion, and I couldn’t wait to see where the story went next.


In 2018, John Krasinski produced an exceptional work of art with his low-budget apocalyptic horror film “A Quiet Place.” This masterpiece was co-written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Two years afterwards, Krasinski released the direct sequel, titled “A Quiet Place Part II.” Both movies received positive feedback from critics and were financially successful.

The third part of the “A Quiet Place” series is here with the title “A Quiet Place: Day One”. John Krasinski has moved from behind the camera to produce and contribute to the story’s creation. Initially, Jeff Nichols was planned to both write and direct, completing a draft for the studio. However, he eventually departed from the project and was succeeded by Michael Sarnoski. Although I’m curious about what a Nichols-directed “Quiet Place” film would look like, Sarnoski has brought his unique touch to this series, resulting in an intriguing addition.

REVIEW: “A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024)

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Day One” is more than just a prequel and spin-off; it’s a captivating glimpse into the beginning of an alien invasion that would ultimately devastate New York City and most of humanity (as portrayed in the first two films). The narrative primarily revolves around new characters, but I was pleasantly surprised to encounter some familiar faces from this intriguing universe. The events leading up to the apocalyptic aftermath are skillfully woven together, making for a thrilling and engaging cinematic experience.

One of the reasons these movies touch our hearts is their focus on human emotions. “Day One” is no exception. While earlier films explored themes like fatherhood and motherhood, this one presents something unique yet deeply moving. Lupita Nyong’o brilliantly portrays Sam, a talented but terminally ill poet living in an upstate New York hospice with her cherished cat, Frodo. Right from the beginning, Sam’s character offers a fresh take on the genre.

The film’s emotional depth is largely driven by Sam’s despair and solitude. She’s acutely aware of her own approaching demise, and the relentless reality of her impending fate casts a heavy shadow over her. Mostly, she suppresses her feelings, causing concern for her caring nurse, Reuben (Alex Wolff). Despite his persuasive efforts, Sam initially refuses to join the group on an excursion into the city. However, during their visit to Manhattan, the sky is unexpectedly filled with meteor-like objects falling towards the earth. Shortly afterward, hostile extraterrestrial beings start assaulting and eliminating people, causing widespread panic and turmoil in the city.

Sam finds herself unconscious in a theater, surrounded by scared survivors after an alien attack. Once awake, she discovers that these creatures are blind but possess exceptional hearing. The narrative unfolds as Sam navigates her way to survival, encountering various individuals along the journey. One of these people is Eric (Joseph Quinn), a law student from England who miraculously makes it through a flooded subway. Shaken and disoriented, Eric is approached by Frodo, who guides him to Sam. An unexpected bond develops between Sam and Eric, in spite of their contrasting objectives and perspectives.

REVIEW: “A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024)

In “Day One,” Sarnoski effectively combines emotional depth with visual allure. The film’s poignant moments align perfectly, while New York City is brought to life through Sarnoski’s meticulous camera work. He masterfully captures the city’s essence before and after the alien invasion, showcasing its iconic sights, atmosphere, and tactile qualities in stunning detail. Furthermore, his skillful direction of action sequences strikes the right balance between revealing enough of the menacing aliens to maintain suspense while making them even more terrifying when off-screen through clever use of sound design and acting performances.

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2024-07-16 15:58