Horror series - When New York stands still: "A Quiet Place: Day One"
They come from the void, blind and brutal: In the horror series "A Quiet Place" by US filmmaker John Krasinski (44), humanity must defend itself against rather noise-sensitive creatures. The first part, which became a surprise hit in 2018 and had a sequel two years later, began 470 days after the alien invasion. In the prequel "A Quiet Place: Day One," fans now learn how it all started.
After Emily Blunt in the first two parts, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o (41, "12 Years a Slave") is silent about her life this time. The writer Sam has basically given up on life. She has terminal cancer, spends her time in a hospice, and reluctantly goes on an outing into the city. In the loud and chaotic New York, she is then right in the middle of things when, suddenly, spaceships fall from the sky. And the lethal silence attack begins.
The monsters, which move at insane speeds on stilt-like legs, charge at anything that gives off a sound. The military seems to have little chance. Although the aliens can't swim, they are not easily defeated. Their only weakness, known to fans from the second part, is unknown to the protagonists of the prequel.
The quiet star of the film
During her survival struggle through the destroyed streets of New York, Sam encounters the completely terrified Eric (played by "Stranger Things" favorite Joseph Quinn), who wants to join her unconditionally. The quiet star of the film is, however, Sam's loyal and surprisingly soundless cat, which, like the aliens, appears indestructible.
"A Quiet Place: Day One" is not as quiet as its predecessors. In them, the mysterious monsters, who have no motivation for their violence to be discerned, were still relatively seldom seen, and silence took up more space. There are also such moments in the new part. For example, the most emotional scene takes place in an empty jazz club and is completely dialogue-free.
Overall, the film from Michael Sarnoski, who took over directing duties from Krasinski this time, is louder and bigger, which is also reflected in the setting of the metropolis (the first films took place on the farm). Nyong’o's role adds an emotional depth to the apocalyptic story.
Fans of the horror series do not have to wait long for the next installment: The regular third part is scheduled to come to theaters next year.
A Quiet Place: Day One, USA 2024, 99 Min., FSK 16, by Michael Sarnoski, with Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff.
- Despite the chaos in New York, Sam manages to find solace in the quiet presence of "A Quiet Place: Day One's" silent star, her loyal and soundless cat.
- John Krasinski's 'A Quiet Place' series, set in the USA, has gained a massive following, with the prequel set to hit cinemas in Cologne next year.
- In the prequel, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o portrays a character grappling with her impending death in the noise-filled city of New York, providing an emotional depth to the apocalyptic story.
- After the surprise success of 'A Quiet Place' in 2018, director John Krasinski, along with Emily Blunt and Joseph Quinn, returned for a sequel, and now, Lupita Nyong'o takes the lead in the prequel.
- The dramatic shift from the peaceful farm setting of the initial 'A Quiet Place' movies to the bustling metropolis of New York in the prequel serves as a testament to the series' evolution under the guidance of new director Michael Sarnoski.
- The incorporation of emotional storylines and the presence of well-known actors like Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn in the prequel 'A Quiet Place: Day One' have heightened anticipation for the horror series' next installment, set to release in US cinemas in 2024.
