A Quiet Place: Day One

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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.

Lupita Nyong'o has a talent for elevating every film she's in, and her performance in A Quiet Place: Day One is no exception. Alongside Joseph Quinn, she shines brightly in this third installment of the A Quiet Place franchise. This film breathes much-needed life into the series, which has only improved over time. The first film introduced an interesting concept but didn’t resonate with me long-term. The second film, though bolstered by terrific performances from Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt, still left me wanting more. A Quiet Place: Day One finally delivers by taking us back to the beginning with a fresh perspective and a change in location that reinvigorates the narrative. Setting the film in New York City was a brilliant move. The urban backdrop provides a stark contrast to the rural settings of the previous films, adding a new layer of tension and excitement. The urban environment also allows for more complex and dynamic action sequences, which are executed with precision and creativity. Nyong'o and Quinn’s performances are standout elements. Nyong'o brings depth and intensity to her role, making every scene she's in compelling especially with no dialogue. Her ability to convey fear and determination simultaneously adds significant emotional weight to the film. Quinn complements her perfectly, and their chemistry drives the narrative forward. The action sequences are meticulously crafted, with each set piece building tension masterfully. The filmmakers’ use of sound—or the lack thereof—remains a powerful tool, enhancing the horror elements and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Overall, A Quiet Place: Day One is a well-done horror movie that reinvigorates the franchise. The new setting, coupled with strong performances and expertly crafted action sequences, makes this installment the best yet. Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn bring new energy to the series, while the change of location to New York City provides a fresh and thrilling backdrop for the story. This film not only stands out within the series but also within the horror genre as a whole.

Today, I visited the cinema to watch the film Quiet Place: Day One, anticipating a thrilling and edge-of-your-seat experience. I must admit, the movie did not disappoint. While it may not be a masterpiece, it was enjoyable and engaging enough to warrant multiple viewings with the potential to discover new details each time. Lupita Nyong'o delivers a stellar performance as the main character, portraying a patient from a hospice center who must fight for her life. She embodies the role with great skill and authenticity. As for the main character Eric, portrayed by a British actor whose name I am unsure of, his portrayal lacks a bit in the scare factor. In a post-apocalyptic scenario where survival is key, his constant state of fear teetered on the edge of being unrealistic. Nonetheless, he manages to keep the audience invested in his character's journey. Surprisingly, the cat in the film garners significant screen time and plays a crucial role in the story alongside Lupita's character. While the cat's lack of typical feline behaviors may be confusing, it adds a unique layer to its character and the overall narrative. The film's setting in New York adds a touch of realism, with references to pizza that tie into the characters' circumstances. The creatures in the movie, reminiscent of those from Stranger Things, are brought to life through impressive CGI and visual effects that enhance the alien invasion storyline. A notable aspect of the film is the inclusion of an original character from a previous installment, adding depth and continuity to the narrative. Without giving away any spoilers, Quiet Place: Day One is a film that keeps viewers engaged and entertained, making it worth a trip to the theater for multiple viewings.

"Sam" (Lupita Nyong'o) is living at a residential home when a group of them take a day out to the big city. She only agrees to go if she can have pizza, but that opportunity is soon kiboshed when their minder "Reuben" (Alex Wolff) tries to herd them back home after a city-wide alert is called. Things are falling from the sky - and these things are hungry. With carnage ensuing, she and her cat manage to find refuge in the theatre they were attending but with even the slightest of sounds attracting their foes, she realises that heading to Harlem for a Pepperoni from Patsy's might be her best option. Walking silently, she encounters the dazed "Eric" (Joseph Quinn) who has come from the UK to study law in the USA and has ended up with much more than he bargained for. Initially reluctant, she agrees to walk with him and gradually a bond develops as the environment gradually and dangerously disintegrates before them. Luckily, the monsters can't swim - so perhaps they can try to make it to the water? Obviously there's not a great deal of dialogue here, so the accumulating sense of (limited) menace is built by two actors who are adequate but who don't really have enough to work with to make this stand out. As ever, the lengths people will go to to save their pets astonishes me. Danger everywhere and yet both feel the need to risk life and limb for a moggy! Bizarre. It's difficult at the best of times to get much traction from prequels, and Michael Sarnoski doesn't really manage to develop the characters or the story beyond this ninety minutes of stand alone cinema that really has little to do with the other, far better, films from earlier in this strand. It's watchable enough, but nothing remarkable. Pity.

Nothing special. My first and enduring reaction to A Quiet Place Day One. Perhaps the biggest shortcoming is rather flat, indifferent, cynical characterisations. "Everything is shit...." According to the main character. Perhaps this reflects the New York way of being? Big city rat races and so on? Suffice to say, it doesn't work. What made the first two films such a success was a family dynamic with people who were close and cared deeply about each other. You could empathise with them, buy into their plight, when faced with an alien other. Beyond this the horror/actions scenes are alright but again, because the vibe is wrong, the film just feels like its going through the motions. Its been done before yes, so whats this film adding to the equation? As far as I can see, very little. In summary, a nice idea but the overall set up just doesn't work for me. The results "just another" horror action flick with a few jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat and little else. If you are going to build on a successful franchise you need to look "hard" at what made those other films such as success and inject something that is original but also taps into those elements, in a meaningful way.