Director:MichaelSarnoski Writers:Michael Sarnoski John Krasinski Bryan WoodsStars:Lupita Nyong'o Joseph Quinn Alex Wolffilm
- A Quiet Place: Day One review
*A Quiet Place* was my first foray into horror cinema. I’m a self-admitted scaredy-cat, but this film opened my eyes to the genre in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Normally, when something terrifying happens on screen, my instinct is to scream or nervously munch on popcorn, but *A Quiet Place* changes that completely. In the theater, it feels like making any sound would break the spell, adding a layer of tension I’d never felt before.
The *A Quiet Place* franchise has grown significantly. What started as a single film evolved into two, and now there’s a third installment, which is a prequel. It’s also getting its first AAA video game later this year. Although *A Quiet Place* wasn’t John Krasinski’s directorial debut, it’s the film that established him as a filmmaker. Since then, he’s done an incredible job.
For the third installment, *A Quiet Place: Day One*, Krasinski steps back from directing and serves as a producer, a role he also held in the previous films. He continues to contribute to the emotionally driven narrative, even with his reduced role behind the camera.
One aspect that sets this prequel apart is its urban setting. Unlike the claustrophobic, rural environments of the previous films, this story takes place in the sprawling, chaotic city. While the city setting is interesting, it isn’t always used to its full potential. There are a couple of standout moments where the urban landscape feels fully realized—one early on before Sam meets Eric, and another in the final act. But the movie is more character-driven than creature-focused, and unlike the previous films, it doesn’t reveal anything new about the Death Angels, the terrifying creatures that hunt by sound.
The screenplay, written by Michael Sarnoski, is beautifully crafted, filled with heartfelt moments that make you fall in love with the characters. It’s rare for a horror movie to have such well-developed, three-dimensional characters, but *Day One* achieves this, largely thanks to the collaboration between Sarnoski and Krasinski. Krasinski’s storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully weaves together horror, emotion, and connection, delivering a film that touches the soul as much as it terrifies.
The performances elevate the story to another level. Lupita Nyong’o gives a standout performance as Sam, a character with so much depth and heart. By the film’s end, her portrayal is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, a new emotional benchmark for the franchise. Joseph Quinn also impresses as Eric. Though I had some minor issues with his character's writing, Quinn’s performance doesn’t falter, proving he’s an actor to watch.
There are also two other scene-stealers in the film. Djimon Hounsou, returning briefly from *A Quiet Place Part II*, captivates in his short screen time, connecting storylines in a meaningful way. And then, there’s the cat—an unexpected but essential presence in the movie. Not only does this feline companion provide comfort to Sam, but it also manages to be an emotional anchor, stealing scenes with its endearing presence.
Overall, *A Quiet Place: Day One* delivers an outstanding story, accompanied by a well-written script and a haunting score by Alexis Grapsas. It’s a horror film that blends terror with heart, leaving you both unsettled and touched. By the end, you may even find yourself in tears—not from fear, but from the film’s emotional depth.
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