A Quiet Place Day One Movie Review: Third time’s a charm might be the saying but this time, the amazing charm of the ‘A Quiet Place’ franchise did not work for me. Starring Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther) and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) in the lead, the film is the third instalment in the popular horror-thriller franchise and a spin-off prequel to the first film. Now, we all know how much the first movie is loved and adored, so much so that the 2018 film is easily one of the best thrillers in the past decade. With the benchmark set so high, it is quite an uphill climb for the director Michael Sarnoski, who is filling John Krasinski’s shoes. While he recreates the world well, it falls short of thrills.
As the trailer and synopsis have already revealed, A Quiet Place: Day One is set in New York. It revolves around a terminally ill patient who wants to grab a slice of New York’s finest pizza. On her trip to New York from a hospital on the outskirts, she decides to visit a pizza shop which she once used to frequently visit. However, when the blind aliens invade, her plans are jeopardised. Although she doesn’t let the monsters come her way for a good slice of pizza.
As bizarre as it might sound, the concept worked for me. How far would you go to get what you love? In A Quiet Place: Day One’s case, as far as it takes. I mean, I’d do the same, minus the humans-eating monster. Although an interesting concept, the film doesn’t layer the idea enough to make it convincing for everyone. This is where the film makes an unsteady landing.
Director Sarnoski had revealed that he was given only one condition before penning the story — it should be set in New York. After watching the film, I understand why John wanted an NYC backdrop. New York being the target of an apocalyptic attack is not new. But watching it go completely quiet is a different experience altogether.
The film’s scale also immediately becomes larger than life. With the Big Apple being one of the most populated cities in the US, it served as an interesting backdrop for the chaos to unfold. But the filmmaker doesn’t utilise it to its fullest. A Quiet Place: Day One has all the elements of a quintessential Quiet Place film — the demons, the silence, and the close-up shots to induce suspense — but has an uneven script. But Sarnoski takes a different turn in the story. He introduces the elements of emotions in the tale, attempting to create a personal connection. He subtly also gives a nod to New York’s little elements as well.
Although a welcomed attempt, it doesn’t sink its teeth enough to explore the human touch to it. The film, which is 1 hour 45 minutes long, doesn’t give you enough room to associate with the lead character’s yearning for a pizza. She risks her life to get a slice but there is not enough depth in the character for you to root for her and celebrate if and when she gets a slice. Also, the film explores the post-apocalyptic world instead of taking audiences through the demolishment of the city and the story behind the monsters. This leaves you with more questions than answers.
But the film is not all that bad. Several high points in the film make it a worthy watch. As already mentioned, the concept is interesting. The cinematography is outstanding. Pat Scola beautifully captures the silent New York, invoking an eerie feeling in many scenes. Although there are fewer jump scares than I was hoping for, Pat Scola and editors Andrew Mondshein and Gregory Plotkin deliver some impressive moments in the limited scenes.
Lupita Nyong’o is outstanding as the terminally ill patient who is craving for a pizza. Her emotional scenes are the best in the film. As for Joseph Quinn, he lights up the screen and brilliantly shoulders the film with Lupita. While Lupita is the heart of the film, I found myself rooting for his character more in the movie.
Writers John Krasinski and Michael Sarnoski also had me impressed when they identify a certain loophole that allows the characters to scream and talk amid the alien attack. A very smart writing move.
Bottom line: A Quiet Place: Day One is a prequel with very few questions about the franchise’s past being answered. Watch it if you love the ‘Quiet Place’ franchise.
