A Quiet Place: Day One - A Blend of Thought-Provoking Ideas and Missed Opportunities
Directed by: Michael Sarnoski
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Alex Wolff, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou
Rating: ★★★☆☆
A Quiet Place: Day One brings some intriguing ideas and strong performances to the table, even if it sometimes feels like an incomplete draft of what could have been a richer, more complex film. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for the melancholic subtlety in Pig, the film delivers on character beats but struggles with action sequences, an essential element for a movie of this genre.
The Premise and Setting
Lupita Nyong’o stars as Sam, a hospice stage cancer patient who embarks on a trip to Manhattan with her support group, led by a bearded Alex Wolff. They plan to see a puppet show, but Sam is more interested in savoring a slice of New York pizza, likely for the last time. This setup adds an interesting dimension to the unfolding horror: how hard do you fight to live when you're already dying? This question, along with others about what truly matters when the world is falling apart, provides a provocative backdrop for the film, even if not fully explored.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Nyong’o’s Sam is accompanied by her movie-stealing cat, Frodo, as they navigate the chaotic landscape. They soon meet Eric (Joseph Quinn of **Stranger Things**), a panicking young man who joins their survival quest. The casting of Nyong’o and Quinn is a major strength, as their expressive faces and physical performances convey much of the story in a world where silence is crucial for survival. Their ability to communicate without words adds depth to their characters and heightens the tension.
Challenges and Missed Opportunities
The film attempts to answer how a bustling city like New York can remain silent amidst an alien invasion, but it falls short. The scenes meant to depict a crowded city on the brink of apocalypse lack authenticity, mainly because the film was shot on London soundstages rather than in Manhattan. This decision results in sets that feel artificial, detracting from the intended realism.
Djimon Hounsou reprises his role as Henri from A Quiet Place: Part II and delivers one of the film’s most powerful scenes, questioning the lengths one would go to silence a potential threat. However, the thematic elements of the film, such as this moral dilemma, feel underdeveloped. The movie hints at deeper questions but doesn’t delve into them, leaving a sense of missed potential.
Action and Pacing
Sarnoski excels in nuanced, character-driven moments but struggles with the action sequences. The set pieces lack precision, and the stakes never feel high enough to create real tension. The film’s brisk 99-minute runtime doesn’t allow for sufficient character development, world-building, or sustained suspense, making it feel hurried. This pace might be one reason why Jeff Nichols, initially attached to direct, left the project over creative differences.
Highlights and Conclusion
Despite its shortcomings, A Quiet Place: Day One has its strengths. The minor beats, such as children hiding in a fountain to mask their noise or Eric emerging from a flooded subway, showcase Sarnoski’s gift for nuance. These moments, coupled with Nyong’o and Quinn’s performances, elevate the film above many generic sequels.
In conclusion, A Quiet Place: Day One is an interesting addition to the franchise, with enough going for it to avoid being written off as a mere cash grab. It’s a film that provokes thought and sparks big questions, even if it doesn’t fully explore them. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it’s never boring and provides just enough to keep audiences engaged.