“A Quiet Place: Day One” hit theaters with a quiet bang. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the prequel to the “A Quiet Place” series takes audiences back to the chaotic start of the alien invasion, switching its eerie, rural backdrop for the bustling streets of New York City. While it’s an expansion of the franchise in terms of scope, there’s something refreshingly familiar about its execution, as the film doubles down on tension and emotional depth, all while offering a fresh setting. Let’s dive into what makes (and breaks) this horror-thriller.
Lupita Nyong’o Shines as Samira
Right from the start, Lupita Nyong’o takes center stage as Samira, a terminally ill poet in a hospice facility just outside New York City. Her character is an emotional powerhouse—stoic, bitter, yet heartbreakingly vulnerable. Nyong’o doesn’t just play a horror lead; she elevates the entire film with her physical performance, barely needing dialogue to convey Samira’s anguish and resilience. Even when the film falters, Nyong’o’s gripping portrayal anchors the audience’s attention, making her the emotional core of this prequel.
Samira’s journey is more introspective than that of the previous films’ protagonists. While we once watched Emily Blunt’s Evelyn Abbott fight for survival, Samira’s initial struggle is more about finding a reason to live again, despite knowing her time is limited. The aliens, those sound-sensitive creatures, serve as both a literal and metaphorical obstacle for Samira, pushing her to rediscover her humanity before it’s too late. Nyong’o’s command of facial expressions, her subtlety, and a single tear rolling down her cheek in key moments—a hallmark of her talent—are nothing short of magnetic.
A New York City Transformed
Director Sarnoski faced a major challenge in depicting the first day of an alien invasion in one of the world’s loudest cities. The idea of silencing New York is chilling on paper, but the execution feels a bit removed from the real grit of the city. Filmed largely on sound stages in London, the cityscapes feel polished, lacking the lived-in authenticity that could have given the film an extra layer of immersion. Still, when the aliens descend upon the Big Apple, the visual destruction is mesmerizing: burning cars, toppled buildings, and bridges torn apart by military jets.
While some critics noted that the city scenes don’t quite match the realism one would expect, the alien invasion’s urban setting does offer a refreshing change. Gone are the wide-open fields and desolate barns; instead, characters hide in the subway, use fountains to muffle sound, and dash through alleyways with creatures in pursuit. These moments bring tension and claustrophobia, a hallmark of the franchise, even if the city never fully convinces as Manhattan.
A Human Story Amid the Chaos
As the film progresses, it’s not just about running from aliens but about human connection. Samira’s unlikely bond with Eric (Joseph Quinn) becomes the beating heart of the film. Eric, a panicking young law student, adds a sense of urgency to Samira’s existential plight. When the two cross paths, there’s a sense of camaraderie born from desperation. Quinn’s performance as Eric is equally compelling, his expressive face communicating fear and vulnerability in a world that’s tearing itself apart.
Their evolving relationship, as they attempt to survive and care for Samira’s loyal cat Frodo, offers emotional highs that surpass the franchise’s traditional thrills. At its best, “A Quiet Place: Day One” becomes less about alien attacks and more about finding solace in others, even in the darkest times.
However, the film sometimes sacrifices this intimacy for action sequences that feel familiar, perhaps too familiar. There’s a pervasive sense of déjà vu throughout the movie. Some set pieces seem recycled from the previous films—staying quiet under extraordinary stress, hiding from creatures in tight spaces, and signaling the aliens with noise distractions. But these moments still deliver tension, even if the novelty is worn thin.
Emotional Depth Over Fright
The film’s biggest surprise might be its lack of overt scares. While the original “A Quiet Place” terrified with its nerve-wracking silences and jump scares, “Day One” leans more into emotional beats. The decision to focus on Samira’s internal battle and her relationship with Eric adds layers to the story, but it also means the horror feels secondary. While there are moments of tension—particularly a scene where Samira and Eric navigate through a flooded subway—it’s the quiet, human moments that leave the biggest impact.
Some may argue that this tonal shift makes “A Quiet Place: Day One” feel less like a horror movie and more like a drama with sci-fi elements. This isn’t inherently bad, but those expecting non-stop terror may find themselves longing for the pulse-pounding tension of the first two films. It’s clear that Sarnoski’s direction favors nuance over spectacle, drawing out quiet terror from everyday interactions and focusing on the internal struggles of his characters.
The Weak Spots
As much as “A Quiet Place: Day One” excels in its character-driven storytelling, it’s not without flaws. At a lean 99 minutes, the film could have benefitted from more world-building. The first day of an alien invasion should feel chaotic, unpredictable, and terrifying, but the movie’s short runtime limits its scope. Characters are introduced and whisked away before we truly understand their motivations or feel the gravity of the situation.
The pacing, too, sometimes feels rushed, leaving little room for the kind of atmospheric buildup that made the original so nerve-wracking. Where John Krasinski’s direction thrived on building tension with meticulous care, Sarnoski seems more interested in the emotional resonance of his characters than in setting up scares.
Some may also feel that the film relies too heavily on its leads to carry the weight of the story. Nyong’o and Quinn are fantastic, but supporting characters, like Henri (Djimon Hounsou), aren’t given the same depth, leaving some scenes feeling undercooked.
Conclusion: Worth the Silence?
In the end, “A Quiet Place: Day One” is a worthy addition to the franchise, though it may not reach the heights of its predecessors. Lupita Nyong’o’s performance alone is reason enough to see the film, as she delivers a masterclass in silent, physical acting. The movie’s shift toward emotional drama over traditional horror may alienate some viewers, but for those willing to embrace the quiet, there’s plenty to enjoy.
This isn’t a film that will leave you screaming, but it will leave you thinking. It’s a meditation on human connection amidst chaos, a reminder that sometimes, even in the darkest times, there’s still room for hope.
