A simple and highly-entertaining prequel that works just as effectively on its own.
read more
One of the most anticipated sci-fi horror films of 2024 has finally arrived! A Quiet Place: Day One is here to take to the cinema screens across the globe, not by storm but by silence.
Telling the story of the creatures’ invasion of Earth, A Quiet Place: Day One revolves around Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminally ill woman living in New York City with her cat Frodo. Hours into the aliens’ invasion, Frodo chances upon a young English law student, Eric (Joseph Quinn). The latter follows the cat and meets Samira. The pair then navigate the devastated city to get Eric and Frodo to safety.
Nyong’o delivers a compelling performance with ease, despite Samira not being the superbly written character she should have been. With exemplary performances in 2019's Little Monsters and Us, the Academy Award-winning actress is steadily cementing herself as a formidable scream queen now that this film is added to her body of work. Her strong presence on screen is not compromised by her character’s frail physique, but rather, boosted by it.
However, the one who stole the show is without a doubt Frodo the cat. Frodo’s polished, calm demeanour brings an incredible balance to the mess of everything everywhere in the film. Subconsciously, viewers may shadow Eric in how he adores, follows and protects the furry feline.
Writer-director Michael Sarnoski inherits John Krasinski’s creation and gives a decent attempt at building this world. The larger and more elaborate set pieces, sound work (which has perhaps become a “brand” in modern horror films by now), and directing, make this prequel a respectable film. The writing, however, leaves more to be desired. We would've loved to see more focus and exploration of Samira and Eric’s backstories.
If you are scrambling to watch the first two films in the franchise before hitting the cinemas for this, fret not. A Quiet Place: Day One is a simple, highly entertaining prequel that works just as effectively on its own. It is not without flaws, but its strengths still make your ticket worth it!
read less