A Quiet Place: Day One

Brent Marchant 6/29/2024 4:42:20 AM 8.4

Smart horror films are one movie genre of which not nearly enough offerings are produced. These pictures are proof positive that edgy, spooky stories can be successfully made without having to kill off the cast or engage in spectacles of gratuitous gore. The works of filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Alex Garland exemplify this, as do the three releases in this impressive franchise. And this latest entry is, without a doubt, the best of the lot. “Day One” draws upon the mythology introduced in the series’ first two films, but it takes matters in a new, more insightful direction and does so, ironically, by way of a prequel going back to the origin of this gripping, ongoing saga. What separates this film from what preceded it, however, is that it presents yet another story in the franchise but from an entirely new angle, with new characters, a new setting, and a new, more profound, more nuanced focus. Instead of small-town America, where the first two pictures were set, this offering takes place in New York City, showing what happens when the Big Apple is attacked by the now-familiar aliens that hunt by way of sound as the means for finding their prey – and the measures that surviving humans must take to stay silent to keep from being spotted. The narrative principally follows a terminally ill poet (Lupita Nyong’o) living in hospice care who has become resigned to the fate of her impending death but now seeks to stay alive at all costs, most notably in helping a frightened Englishman living in Gotham (Joseph Quinn) and protecting her beloved (and adorable) comfort cat. These circumstances give her a new purpose at a time when she might have otherwise completely given up hope. In telling this story, the film also examines the perils of having to suddenly adjust to a “new normal” under unpredictable conditions, as well as the need for all of us to pull together in a united front in the wake of these trying circumstances. But there’s more to it than that, including metaphorical themes and symbolic imagery that truly make this more than just a horror film (and even more than just a smart horror movie at that). While it’s true the story meanders somewhat at times, it nevertheless presents viewers with a thoughtful tale, punctuated by excellent camera work, a fine soundtrack and a superb, award-worthy performance by Nyong’o. Even if you haven’t seen the two previous films in this series or have much interest in this genre, writer-director Michael Sarnoski’s second feature outing is well worth your time. It’s a smart, smart, smart film that rises far above what one might typically expect from a horror flick – and one that will leave you with a lot more than just a few good scares upon exiting the theater.

Manuel São Bento 7/1/2024 12:09:42 PM 8.4

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-review-where-apocalyptic-horror-meets-inspiring-thematically-rich-character-arcs/ "A Quiet Place: Day One stands out for its thematically rich, complex, universal screenplay, resuming the franchise’s exploration of topics such as the fight for survival, humanity, and the will to live, while enriching the saga with inspirational character arcs around mental, physical, and emotional health. Michael Sarnoski displays his exceptional ability to create an apocalyptic atmosphere filled with suspense and terror at every turn, ensuring high entertainment value throughout the whole runtime. The notable performances by Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, and Alex Wolff significantly elevate the movie, with Nyong’o, in particular, delivering a powerful, intense performance that underscores the importance of finding hope and joy amid despair. The emphasis on the importance of emotional support animals is the cherry on top that makes this installment a valuable, moving addition to the saga." Rating: A-

kevin2019 12/23/2024 4:34:36 AM 8.4

"A Quiet Place: Day One" has a central character who is completely believable. Her name is Samira and she is terminally ill and what she is doing makes her appear to be more foolhardy than almost everyone else trapped in New York city on day one. It is not surprising she is looked upon with total incredulity when other people find out what she is attempting to accomplish in the middle of all this frightening chaos which could possibly signal the end of civilisation as we know it. The film somehow manages to successfully create a well balanced whole which doesn't lapse into a damaging split with Samira and Eric on one side of a rapidly expanding gulf and the attacking creatures on the other side with neither combining at any point to create a coherent and satisfying whole. The opposite just happens to be true with the two distinct halves beautifully dovetailing into each other to produce a captivating, exciting, and enjoyable film which is visually sensational and thoroughly worthwhile.