A Quiet Place: Day One is a prequel to the beloved franchise co created by John Krasinski. The new film is written by directed by the co-creator of the concept and it shares a more emotional and personal story amid the chaos led by invaded aliens. Much like the OG, this film does not dive too deep into the concept of the invasion and the reason behind their attacks but focus on the tender characters we come across throughout the run time.
This time we follow a terminally ill patient Sam, who takes a trip the city along with other patients from the hospice and a nurse, and her service cat. For most part, the film explores her motivations to keep going amid the chaos that engulfs the New York city. What we know about the creatures is that they attack anything that makes noise, and a city like New York produces enough sound every minute to sound like a constant scream.
While Sam’s motivation to go to the city was having pizza, her plans are shattered when the attack begins. However, as the last wish before her untimely death due to cancer, Sam decides invasion or not, she will get her last slice of pizza to ever exist before her last breathe. What she didn’t plan to was take a stranger Eric along with her.
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Day One is not focused on the, when how and why of the invasion but on Sam and her personal journey that not only changes the audience but also Eric who is with her on the journey. Their interaction and tender moments together, their relationship with the city is what ties the film together. We do get a little more information about the aliens along the guided by a cat, but it prove to be much useful until the next phase of the franchise.
Through the eyes of writer director Michael Sarnoski, New York city is beautiful and terrifying, when noisy and crowded as well as when silent and engulfed by death. The background score is just as intense and effective at the original film, and the silent is just as nail biting. As much as the thrill in the film comes from the BG score, it also comes from the writing despite its slow pacing.
Lupita Nyong’o is brilliant as Samira, much of the film lies on her and its hard to keep your eyes off her even for a second. Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn as Eric has just as big of presence on screen as her. They have great chemistry on screen despite the obvious end for their character, it fun to watch them together brewing hope among the mind of the audience.
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Alex Wolff has a short role as the nurse Reuben, but an impactful one which sets off the film in the right direction. Meanwhile, Djimon Hounsou as Henri is a delightful presence which brings the whole franchise together. The short on screen moments also bring much dept to his character, which could be referenced in future films.
Overall, the film has much to offer and the biggest delight is the cat even in much of her behaviour and her survival can be questioned. Still, its a watch that will bring you to the edge of your seats and letting out the biggest sigh ever.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India