A QUIET PLACE (2018)

Directed By: John Krasinski 
Written By: John Krasinski, Bryan Woods & Scott Peck 
Story By: Bryan Woods & Scott Peck 
Cinematography By: Charlotte Bruus Christensen 
Editor: Christopher Tellefsen 


Cast: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe 


On a devastated Earth overrun by lethal and ever-hearing predators of a possible extraterrestrial origin, the Abbotts struggle to survive in a desolate New York City in a new era of utter silence. As this new type of invader is attracted to noise, even the slightest of sounds can be deadly; however, it's been already twelve months since the powerful monsters' first sightings, and this resilient family still stands strong. To learn the rules of survival in this muted dystopia is essential; nevertheless, an otherwise joyous event is threatening an already frail stability. Now, more than ever, don't make a sound.

A rock solid little film. That shows a kind of stoic quality that is rare in modern horror. As this film isn’t exactly atmospheric but while it classifies as horror. It feels like an odd fit. It feels like a different kind of movie that has been brought into the genre. Even as it contains all of the usual elements. As this feels less like a horror and more like a child’s nightmare. That feels like it would go more with closed spaces type horror stories like THE BABADOOK, SIGNS and the second half of WAR OF THE WORLDS.

This is a more assured directorial project for Star John Krasinski who seems more in. Control of tone and material then the previous films he has directed and co-written. He seems to more know what story he wants to tell. While also working well with it being more an ensemble. While he stars in the film he more leaves the heavy lifting to Emily Blunt his wife in real life and Millicent Edmonds (who is actually deaf in real life) Noah Jupe who play his children

In the middle of the film separates the family. Though not for some to die and the survivors regroup, but it almost feels like they are going on their own adventures and facing new challenges that by the end they pass bit can’t really survive without one another. Sending a message but showing it more. In doing that though it feels like we are almost watching short stories it separate short film revolving around the same monsters only a different interpretation per character. While on a quest to reunite.

One of the More amazing aspects of the film is that there is dialogue but very little of it. Bryan Woods and Scott Beck’s original screenplay contained only one line of dialogue. The movie only contains about 25 lines of dialogue.

As the daughter character is deaf and the monsters are attracted to sound as they seem to be blind. So disabilites all around and watching the film there is a lot of sign language wit subtitles. Though think it would be more challenging with none, but that would surely sink the box office. Though this is a film where amazingly audiences actually had to stay quiet throughout. Afraid to miss anything or ruin the experience. Which should be normal but with today’s more reactive and distracted audience members. It’s a minor miracle as it only adds to the unease of the film.

The film early on goes for a shock that truly seeks to showcase that no one is safe no character too sacred. While the film focuses purely on the family. You know that excess characters they happen upon are basically more victims for the film to sacrifice for the numbers to go up and to show how the monsters work and massacre.

The film actually feels like a western most of all by the time it ends. With a seemingly endless showdown and then the big attack and defending themselves for survival. Though it still offers plenty of scare jump ones especially. As is to be expected.

like most horror films it has a strong opening. That you don’t expect and is shocking. That sets the tone for the rest of the film. Even as the rest of the film is about tension.

The film is more closed off which while showing the wild around the house they stay in. The film feels more closed off and in more a single location.

The strength of the filmmaking is that that the film manages to show and make you feel a strong family unit full of emotions with very little dialogue. More through mods and more physical actions. Though a horror film it is strongly emotional.

Also as we know this is a horror film we know there must be deaths and as the family are for the most part the only characters we see on screen in the aftermath of what seems like an apocalyptic incident as we have title cards that let us know how many days since the incident. Which also leaves the characters dealing not only with the monsters they are hiding from their own personal demons.

The film reminds one of IT COMES AT NIGHT where the characters are a famous dealing with a dilemma closed off from the world and full of dread. Only here the film moves faster and is more mainstream.

With all the silence that is on display and sudden sound causes a jump scare but also breaks up the rhythm of the scenes that allows the audience to be taken by surprise just as much as the characters are when under attack.

John krasinski Shows a growth and more of an understanding of filmmaking and what he is aiming for, As he seems more confident and stronger in choices of where he wants the film to go.

It’s like a more terrifying Intense version of the movie SIGNS. Only we are thrown into the middle of the action immediately instead of waiting as it approaches.

What makes it truly noteworthy or original is how it works with sound and not Make it into a gimmick, but an integral part of the story and film. Forcing the audience to stay silent and quiet to truly feel the film.

This seems to be another film Where the monsters almost seem to resemble female reproductive organs. Only made scary and with sharp teeth. This film has no sense of humor nor the time for it really.


GRADE: B-