A Quiet Place (2018) begins 89 days after an invasion by murderous aliens with heightened hearing. John Krasinski’s blockbuster thriller then jumps forward a year in time.
Before picking up where the first part left off, the sequel, released in 2021, relates the arrival of the creatures from the point of view of the Abbott family in the small town of Millbrook, north of New York.
A Quiet Place – Day One tells how this terrible day unfolded in the heart of the American metropolis.
Again here, the emphasis is on point of view. While the first two films capture the challenges of raising young children in silence – and constant fear –, Day One offers the perspective of a woman suffering from incurable cancer facing the apparent end of the world.
This is a bold choice by Michael Sarnoski (Pig), who takes over from John Krasinski behind the camera, and who co-wrote the screenplay with the latter. Especially since Sam – main character – is antisocial and cynical. Despite the efforts of her hospice staff, she only wants the presence of her cat Frodo while she awaits death. The tragic events will, however, reveal a character of great depth played masterfully by Lupita Nyong’o (UsTHE Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave).
The quest for a pizza
On June 18, despite her reluctance, Sam agrees to board the bus that takes the patients into town to attend a show. She makes the nurse in charge of the group promise to stop at a pizza place on the way back. However, she is told to return quickly. Sam’s anger is suddenly replaced by fear, as a rain of gigantic, long-limbed creatures descends on New York.
Horrifyingly, the din of destruction is short-lived. Sam comes to his senses among a group that has already noticed that the aliens react to noise. With the exception of the woman who was looking for Jonathan – you will understand – the humans quickly realized that silence is required. Surprising, though…
New York’s many bridges are also destroyed without delay, because the aliens can’t swim – another detail observed in a short time. The survivors walk towards the south of the island in the hope of being evacuated by boat. Sam instead heads towards Harlem, in search of her pizza. On the way, she meets Eric (Joseph Quinn, seen in Stranger Things), a British law student who was completely terrified. The two will help each other on this perilous journey to Patsy’s restaurant.
PHOTO GARETH GATRELL, PROVIDED BY PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Joseph Quinn plays Eric, while Lupita Nyong’o plays Sam.
More touching than scary
Day One has some good action scenes that are very anxiety-inducing: in a flooded tunnel, a glass building or the devastated streets. The work of cinematographer Pat Scola and production designer Simon Bowles deserves to be highlighted.
In a film where silence is inherent to the narrative, every sound is brilliantly exploited. Whether it is that of a fountain, thunder, breathing or the tumult of a herd of creatures moving towards the source of noise, we listen Day One as much as we look at it.
We also feel it more than we would have imagined. While she knows her day has come, Sam opens her heart and allows herself to live again. Lupita Nyong’o communicates a wide range of emotions through her gaze alone. Her interactions with the cat also convey an impressive register. Helpless, Eric clings to the determination of his new friend and gradually becomes the one who carries her. Their relationship offers beautiful touching moments, but which sometimes stretch out. We almost forget the omnipresent danger that always has its ear pricked.
It was hoped that the third A Quiet Place widens the lens in relation to the invasion of our planet. Well-crafted, the story remains intimate and preserves the mystery of the aliens. A refreshing choice, because so many prequels have made the mistake of explaining everything. We are still somewhat hungry for a fourth part.
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Suspense
A Quiet Place – Day One
(VF: A quiet corner – Day 1)
Michael Sarnoski
With Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou
1h40
Indoors