It’s time once again to stay as quiet as possible to avoid the creepy crawling alien creatures that just invaded Earth in A Quiet Place: Day One. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, best known for Pig.

 

We are introduced to Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) who lives in hospice care in New York City as she is dealing with a terminal illness. You learn that she is angry about her situation as she speaks out in support groups about her disdain of living in hospice care. She does have a support animal, a cat named Frodo, that provides her comfort, protection, and a way to find help when she has a medical emergency. Sam’s therapist, Reuben (Alex Wolff), convinces her to head to the city to see a show with the group and to get pizza. She agrees to go not knowing that everything is about to change in the world she once knew. As they enjoy a puppet show there is a heavy military presence in the city, but the residents don’t seem to be concerned and go about their day. That’s until Reuben receives a call and is told to leave the city with the hospice patients. But, by that time it’s too late. Asteroids have entered Earth’s atmosphere and are landing in the city. That’s when we are introduced to the alien creatures that seek silence. This is when Sam’s and Frodo’s journey begins. The goal is to head to Harlem to get a piece of pizza from Patsy’s. I know what you’re thinking, “A whole movie about alien creatures and the main character wants a piece of pizza?” Trust me, I get it, but there’s more to it than just getting pizza. Along the way, she will run into an English law student, Eric (Joseph Quinn), who tags along to help her get to Harlem. She will help him get out of the city and to the boating docks. Even though Sam isn’t happy that Eric has joined her she will eventually find comfort that she had at least one friend by her side during the end of the world. 

 

Overall, this film is very different from the other two films that came before it. Since it is a prequel, It doesn’t connect to the original storyline of the family from the first film. There is a character from the second film that makes a tiny appearance in this film, but that is the only connection to the other films. A viewer who hasn’t seen the prior two films won’t feel confused about what is happening in the story. I felt that the chemistry between Nyong’o and Quinn was electric. The rapport between them made you believe that they were two random strangers that would ultimately end up being friends through the worst experience ever. When it came to special effects, I think those were also well done. The creatures seemed even more realistic than the first film. The sound design was very impressive and really heightened those tense moments when characters needed to be silent. Some problems I had with the film were unnecessary scenes that didn’t serve a purpose to the story, and how easy it was for the characters to reach their pen-ultimate goal. There were obstacles that they needed to get through, but it didn’t have the same sense of urgency as the other films gave off. 

 

If you enjoyed the previous two films of this franchise, I believe you will enjoy this film. If you have never seen any of these films and are just curious to see what all the news is about, then this would be a good first step before watching the other films. It won’t blow you away like the other two films, but it still has its own flavor to it that makes it watchable. 

 

Rating 3.8 out 5