‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Review — A Surprisingly Excellent Prequel

John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” is a near-perfect film, renowned for its masterful suspense and innovative storytelling. Krasinski’s directorial debut presents a world where any sound can summon mysterious and lethal monsters, creating an atmosphere of constant tension. This premise, combined with a compelling family dynamic, makes the film both terrifying and deeply emotional. The story’s focus on a family trying to survive while grappling with profound loss and the imminent birth of a child who can’t be silenced adds layers of poignancy. The film’s 90-minute runtime is packed with edge-of-your-seat moments, ensuring that audiences are never bored.

Following such a groundbreaking film with a sequel or prequel poses a significant challenge. The original film’s unique premise and flawless execution set a high standard that is difficult to surpass. The first film captures the raw emotions of loss, grief, and the desperate hope tied to a baby’s birth in a world where silence is survival. When I reviewed the original movie, I compared its relentless tension to the iconic velociraptor scene in “Jurassic Park,” where children are hunted in a kitchen—an analogy that highlights the film’s ability to sustain suspense throughout its entire duration.

The sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II,” while not matching the first film’s brilliance, successfully continues the Abbott family’s story. It expands the post-apocalyptic world with new characters, communities, and further insights into the monsters’ vulnerabilities. The sequel reveals that the creatures are weak against certain sound frequencies and water, adding new dimensions to the survival tactics the characters must employ. These discoveries parallel the layered storytelling found in films like “Signs,” where water is also a critical weakness for the aliens.

In “A Quiet Place: Day One,” the prequel, we delve deeper into the origins of the alien invasion. This film provides a look at the creatures’ nests, offering a glimpse into their mysterious nature. While this is the primary new information about the aliens, it is sufficient to maintain the series’ allure. Over-explanation often diminishes the fear factor, as seen in “Star Wars” with the introduction of midichlorians. Instead, “Day One” focuses on a smaller, more intimate story, staying true to what made the first two films so compelling: the introduction of characters who we grow to care about, heightening our fear for their survival.

The prequel introduces Sammy (Lupita Nyong’o), a woman dying from cancer. Sammy is bitter and angry about her fate, feeling trapped in hospice care as she wastes away. Her character is not particularly social, but she has a soft spot for pizza, which motivates her to join other patients on a bus trip to New York City. The city’s pizza represents her Holy Grail, and this quest forms a poignant backdrop for her story. Her encounter with Henry (Djimon Hounsou), a character from the second film, during a marionette show, sets the stage for the alien attack and the ensuing chaos.

Sammy’s journey through the city, now a ruin within hours of the attack, brings her into contact with Eric (Joseph Quinn). The two form an unlikely partnership, navigating the dangers of the alien-infested city while seeking out pizza and confronting Sammy’s tragic past. Their relationship, along with Sammy’s cat Frodo, forms the emotional core of the film. Lupita Nyong’o delivers a powerful performance, reminiscent of her standout role in “Us,” while Joseph Quinn impresses with his ability to convey deep emotion with minimal dialogue. Their dynamic brings the story to life, making their survival journey both tense and touching.

Director Michael Sarnoski, known for the critically acclaimed film “Pig,” takes over from Krasinski, bringing an art-house sensibility to the franchise. His direction captures the juxtaposition of beauty and terror in the urban setting, creating a visually stunning film that retains the series’ intense atmosphere. While “Day One” may not be as frightening as its predecessors, it compensates with a gripping narrative and well-placed jump scares that keep the audience engaged. The film’s concise runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes ensures it never overstays its welcome, avoiding the common pitfall of unnecessary padding.

“Day One” excels in portraying a story of friendship and resilience at the end of the world. Both Sammy and Eric have distinct strengths and weaknesses, supporting each other through their harrowing journey. Their bravery and mutual dependence add depth to their characters, making their survival efforts even more compelling. The collaboration between Sarnoski and Krasinski on the story results in a beautifully crafted prequel that complements the previous films while standing on its own.

In conclusion, “A Quiet Place: Day One” is a worthy addition to the franchise, blending emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling. Its intimate focus on character development, coupled with its visually striking direction, makes it a must-watch in theaters, where the full impact of its sights, sounds, and scares can be fully appreciated. Don’t miss this gripping prequel.