My first experience with horror in a cinema was watching A Quiet Place. As someone who tends to get scared easily, this film truly opened my eyes to a different side of horror that I had never encountered before. Normally, when faced with something frightening, my instinct is to scream and munch on popcorn, but A Quiet Place creates such a tense atmosphere that it feels like making any noise would be a huge mistake.
A Quiet Place has grown into a massive franchise, starting with one film, then expanding to two, and now introducing a third installment in the form of a prequel. Additionally, a AAA video game based on the series is set to release later this year. While it wasn't John Krasinski's directorial debut, this film certainly put him on the map as a filmmaker, and he has continued to impress since then.
For the third film, John Krasinski has taken a step back from directing and is now serving as a producer, a role he also held for the previous two films. He has still contributed to crafting the emotionally resonant story for the prequel.
A Quiet Place: Day One serves as a prequel to the original A Quiet Place (2018), unfolding on the very first day of the alien apocalypse depicted in the earlier films. The story centers around Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a cancer patient who finds herself thrust into chaos as she navigates New York in search of something that can bring her joy. Accompanying her on this journey are her beloved cat and Eric (Joseph Quinn), whom she encounters along the way.
The film opens with Sam in a hospice, facing the grim reality of her situation and uncertain if she will see another day. This somber beginning effectively sets the tone for the film, which, while a prequel to A Quiet Place (2018), explores different themes. The earlier films emphasized family and survival, and while survival remains a key element here, the narrative also delves into the quest for inner peace and the importance of forging connections with others, especially those who might be the last people you share your life with.
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What distinguishes this film from its predecessors is not only its themes but also its urban setting. While the first two films created a sense of tension and fear within isolated environments, A Quiet Place: Day One offers a different experience. Although it has its tense moments that made me jump, the city backdrop isn’t fully utilized. There are two standout scenes where the urban landscape is effectively showcased—one occurring early on before Sam meets Eric, and the other in the film's climactic moments. This installment is more character-focused, prioritizing the development of its two leads over exploring new aspects of the creatures known as Death Angels, which is to be expected in a prequel.
Michael Sarnoski crafted a beautifully written screenplay that truly captures the audience's heart with its rich character development. It's a rarity in horror films to encounter such well-rounded characters that you genuinely care about as the story unfolds. The narrative, co-created by Michael Sarnoski and John Krasinski, showcases Krasinski's exceptional storytelling abilities, which often go unrecognized. This film transitions from a spine-chilling horror experience that makes you hesitant to make a sound to a tale set in the same universe, focusing on two characters whose paths are meant to cross. It allows us to delve into their personalities, values, and witness the growth of their friendship. In essence, it’s not just a terrifying story; it’s also deeply emotional and will likely leave you with tears of joy by the conclusion.
With a compelling story, a well-crafted script, and an intense score by Alexis Grapsas, the film shines thanks to the remarkable performances of Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. I had high hopes for Lupita, and she exceeded them with her powerful portrayal of Sam, a character we come to know intimately. By the end, her performance is heart-wrenching and unlike anything seen in previous A Quiet Place films. Conversely, I didn’t have high expectations for Joseph Quinn. While I enjoyed his role in Stranger Things, this was my first chance to see him in a different light, and it certainly challenged him. Although I had some concerns about his character, which stemmed from the writing, Joseph gave it his all and demonstrated that he is a talent worth watching.
There are two standout stars in the film, with the first being Djimon Hounsou. Although he only has about 7–10 minutes of screen time, he truly captivates the audience whenever he appears. He reprises his role from A Quiet Place Part 2 (2020), where his character faced a tragic end, but it was wonderful to see how this film weaves together storylines through this particular character.
The other shining star is the cat. This feline not only looks adorable throughout the movie but also provides comfort to our main character. The cat is undeniably a highlight of the film, and I must admit I was wrong to doubt that it would survive beyond the opening scenes.