Michael Sarnoski, writer-director of A Quiet Place: Day One, has made a solid companion piece and engaging threequel that really measures up. By going back to the beginning and making this an origin stories of sorts, Sarnoski and his fellow collaborators including series originator John Krasinski maintain momentum. This is the moment when aliens invade Manhattan and even a pin drop could end in carnage, as audiences get to join a new kind of duo on their perilous journey across New York.
Lupita Nyong’o (Samira) and Joseph Quinn (Eric) might sound like an odd pairing, but on-screen they have an understated magnetism that carries this film effortlessly. Appearing from a flash flooded subway system 20 minutes in, Quinn is given little to work with. By default, dialogue is sparse, meaning that this actor, currently on an undeniable hot streak, really must put the work in. Opposite a skittish and cancer ridden Nyong’o, this cosmopolitan odd couple form an unlikely alliance. Just as parts one and two traded on atmospherics, so this third instalment does something similar. There are effective jump scares and flawless production design from Simon Bowles (Apartment 7A), that ensures Manhattan looks suitably war torn, meaning A Quiet Place: Day One delivers the goods without feeling wildly inventive.
Just as John Krasinski did in the first two films, writer-director Sarnoski keeps the focus firmly on family. Grief and separation are sacred themes that run like a rich vein throughout this film, providing ample sub-text and allowing Nyong’o and Quinn to do some solid work. Impressive visual effects and tension packed set pieces keep audiences anxious, even if the story itself never feels particularly fresh. However, with the release of A Quiet Place: Day One on 4K, Blu-ray, and digital download – this film lays itself open to further analysis.
One thing that becomes clear is just how little Djimon Hounsou gets to do. Lest we forget that this is a double Oscar nominee doing a supporting role, where his range barely gets off the blocks. At least supporting Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) gets to imbue Smira with a cynical streak and disregard for life. Joseph Quinn on the other hand has no such luck and is forced to trade in charisma and sheer screen presence – which he has in abundance. This means that A Quiet Place: Day One keeps its options open and carries things forward – should John Krasinski be inclined to keep this franchise train chugging along.
A Quiet Place: Day One is available to buy digitally and available on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD now.