Review: A Quiet Place: Day One shifts its focus to human drama

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A Quiet Place: Day One is a 2024 movie prequel that has been done right

Since A Quiet Place came out in 2018, we've watched the Abbott family survive in a silent, post-apocalyptic world. 

Directed by John Krasinski, the first two movies worked well due to their tense settings and focus on family resilience. 

A Quiet Place: Day One shifts the story to a city, showing people trying to survive the first days of the alien attack. 

The new film is directed by Michael Sarnoski and this installment continues to explore human struggles in a disaster, this time in New York City, a place that is always loud, unless an alien invasion is taking place.

This is where, Sam (Lupita Nyong'o), a cancer patient, and Eric (Joseph Quinn), an anxious young man, meet while hiding in the city.

The film features standout performances, beautiful visuals, and strong writing and although it lacks the tension of the original, it focuses more on the human experience during an apocalypse.

John Krasinski's first film used silence to create fear, and in contrast, Sarnoski's entry explores survival and emotion. 

Some may find it slower, but it's a poignant take on the series, emphasizing authentic dialogue and character interactions.

Frodo the cat is an intriguing part of A Quiet Place: Day One

While the films plot isn't exactly complex, it balances joyful moments, intense danger, and some thrilling scenes. 

Lupita Nyong’o plays the female lead and delivers a powerful performance, determined to reconnect with her father despite her poor health and she brings a strong will to her character. 

Jack Quaid plays the male lead, who is anxious even without the monster invasion and his mix of vulnerability and determination makes him both endearing and inspiring.

The journey these two characters go on and the chemistry shown between the actors is really strong and sometimes emotional.

Then there's the cat, Frodo, and I really don't want to say or give much away with regards to Frodo, his presence almost steals the show. 

The one thing I would have liked them to have elaborated more on was the no noise rule and the trial and errors this would have obviously had and how it came about as well.

Overall though, this prequel succeeds because it helps evolve the franchise by focusing on character growth and emotional depth, and while it is not as thrilling as the original, it's a powerful film about life's meaning

Sarnoski has revitalized the franchise and has even included a standout cat character. 

Much like The First Omen, it is a prequel that has been done right in my opinion. 

I would rate this film 73% on my horror movie nerd-o-meter.

[A Quiet Place: Day One on IMDB] [Where to watch A Quiet Place: Day One]

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