A woman named Sam finds herself trapped in New York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultrasonic hearing.
The “Quiet Place” franchise has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and sci-fi horror. The series’ success can be attributed to director John Krasinski’s careful world-building and thoughtful storytelling. However, the latest installment, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed by Michael Sarnoski, feels like an unwarranted prequel that fails to recapture the magic of its predecessors.
The first two films expertly crafted a post-apocalyptic world where creatures that hunt by sound have devastated humanity. The story follows the Abbott family’s struggle to survive, and their journey is filled with tension, heartbreak, and, ultimately, hope. Fans were eagerly anticipating a continuation of their story in a potential “A Quiet Place Part III.” Instead, the franchise takes a step back with “Day One,” exploring the day the creatures first invaded Earth.
While the concept of witnessing the initial attack is intriguing, the execution falls short. The film focuses on new characters, Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) and Eric (Joseph Quinn), as they navigate the destruction of New York City. However, their story lacks the emotional depth and compelling arc that made the Abbotts so relatable.
One of the main issues with “Day One” is that it relies too heavily on what audiences already know about the creatures from the previous films. The novelty of sound-based horror has worn off, and without introducing fresh elements, the scares feel less intense. It’s similar to watching later entries in iconic horror franchises like “Friday the 13th” or “A Nightmare on Elm Street”—the fear diminishes when you know the villain’s tactics.
The performances by Nyong’o and Quinn are a highlight, but they’re given little to work with beyond reacting to the chaos. Samira’s terminal cancer diagnosis adds a layer of poignancy, but it often shifts the focus from the sci-fi horror to melodrama. The film would have benefited from healthier, stronger protagonists who could concentrate on the battle to survive.
John Krasinski’s announcement of “A Quiet Place Part III” in 2025 is welcome news. Hopefully, he’ll bring a satisfying conclusion to the Abbott family saga. After that, it would be wise for the franchise to end on a high note. The creatures’ concept, while brilliant initially, risks becoming repetitive and diluting the impact of the earlier films if stretched too far.
In conclusion, while “A Quiet Place: Day One” has its moments, it’s a skippable entry in the franchise. Fans yearning for more of the Abbotts’ story will find it lacking. Here’s to hoping “Part III” will recapture the essence that made “A Quiet Place” so beloved.
In Theaters Friday, June 28th
