A Quiet Place: Day One Faces Silence Before Release. It’s been unusually quiet for A Quiet Place: Day One leading up to its release – a potentially troubling sign for any film, especially one in a beloved franchise. While Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn, along with Schnitzel and Nico the cats, have been on a press tour, reviews for this horror prequel were only released on the day of its premiere, with screenings occurring just in the past week.
This approach is typical for Marvel movies, often used to prevent spoilers, but it’s understandable if concerns arise with A Quiet Place: Day One.
Fortunately, there’s no need for concern!
A Quiet Place: Day One proves to be a solid addition to the franchise, offering the suspenseful scenes you expect and adding an emotional depth you might not anticipate.
A Unique Twist on the Familiar
Paramount seems to have adopted a Marvel-like strategy with the late embargo for A Quiet Place: Day One.
The film introduces an element in its opening scene that has been kept out of all promotional material, setting it apart from its predecessors. This element transforms it from merely another apocalyptic thriller into something more intimate and poignant.
We won’t spoil it here, but it’s not a revelation that would diminish your viewing experience. In fact, it may heighten your interest in the film and reaffirm why Michael Sarnoski, known for Pig, was a fitting choice for this project.
A Quiet Place: Day One Familiar Yet Fresh
In terms of plot, it’s business as usual. Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself in New York City as the alien invasion begins. She reluctantly teams up with Eric (Joseph Quinn), and the pair must quickly adapt to survive in a world where even the slightest sound can be deadly.
While A Quiet Place Part II stayed close to the formula of its predecessor, Sarnoski maintains this approach. The film features a series of gripping alien attack scenes, set on a larger scale and enhanced by exceptional sound design that makes even minor noises feel intense.
Although some scenes might feel repetitive, their precision will still have you on edge, especially when Frodo the cat (played by Schnitzel and Nico) is at risk. The movie perfectly captures a cat’s indifference amidst chaos.
Character Focus Amidst Chaos
Sarnoski also emphasizes the quieter, alien-free moments, focusing on developing Samira and Eric into characters viewers care about, thus heightening the tension during the action scenes. The exceptional talent of Lupita Nyong‘o and Joseph Quinn adds depth to their roles.
With minimal dialogue and most of it delivered in whispers, Nyong’o’s expressive performance commands attention. Samira’s evolution from a solitary figure to a trusting companion feels authentic and impactful.
Joseph Quinn’s late entry into the story brings instant chemistry with Nyong’o. His portrayal of Eric, who is overwhelmed by fear and panic, becomes endearing rather than pitiable, with their dynamic adding moments of lightness.
Emotional Depth and a Furry Hero
The budding friendship between Samira and Eric introduces a richer emotional layer compared to previous films. A particularly touching scene in a bar between them may even bring tears to your eyes.
Of course, Schnitzel the cat (and Nico) as Frodo steals the spotlight, earning his own heroic moments. While Nyong’o and Quinn are excellent, Frodo’s nonchalant demeanor in the face of an apocalypse is irresistibly charming.
If you’re questioning the need for a prequel, A Quiet Place: Day One validates its place in the series. It defies expectations in a positive way.