A Quiet Place : Day One

To Lady

A Quiet Place: Day One, directed by Michael Sarnoski, is a veritable model of tension and atmosphere, expanding the universe established by John Krasinski in the previous films . This prequel plunges into the chaotic first day of the alien invasion, setting the scene in bustling, cacophonous New York City, a stark contrast to the rural settings of its predecessors
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The film opens with a seemingly ordinary day in New York, illustrating the hustle and bustle that characterizes the metropolis. This normality is shattered when terrifying alien creatures, who hunt with the aid of sound, descend on the city. The plot centers on Sam (Lupita Nyong'o) and her cat, who find themselves in the midst of the chaos on an excursion to a puppet theater. As the city descends into total chaos, Sam teams up with fellow survivor Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. Their journey through a city where silence is the only key to survival is both heartbreaking and fascinating. Sarnoski's decision to move the setting to New York City brings a fresh perspective and raises the stakes. The city's inherent noise, usually a backdrop of comfort and normalcy, becomes a deadly threat. This clever inversion of the setting amplifies the horror and urgency, making for a captivating story.

Lupita Nyong'o is perfect in the role of Sam, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Her interpretation of a woman plunged into an unimaginable situation is both powerful and poignant. Lupita Nyong'o's ability to convey fear, resilience and determination without uttering a word is a testament to her extraordinary talent. Joseph Quinn's Eric perfectly complements Sam, and the evolution of their dynamic is one of the film's highlights. Their reluctant partnership, born of necessity, gradually develops into a compelling bond, making their struggle for survival all the more captivating. The film also benefits from strong performances from Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou. The latter's return adds continuity and depth to the narrative, linking this prequel to the series' broader narrative arc.

Michael Sarnoski's direction is simply spectacular. He masterfully balances the film's intense action sequences with moments of quiet tension, creating an atmosphere of unrelenting dread. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the chaotic cityscape and the eerie silence in which the characters must navigate. Every shot is meticulously crafted to reinforce the sense of danger lurking around every corner. The film thus delves deeper into the themes of survival, human resilience and the power of silence. The film explores how different people react to the same catastrophic event, bringing out the best and worst in humanity. The shift from a story centered on family to one centered on disparate individuals adds a new layer of complexity, making the narrative more expansive and inclusive. The story also brings great importance to Sam's cat, to the point of making him one of the important characters to be protected at all costs, just as Evelyn protected her children in the first two installments.

A Quiet Place: Day One is a worthy addition to the franchise, offering a fresh take on the familiar premise. Thanks to outstanding performances, especially from Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn, and Michael Sarnoski's perfectly mastered direction, the film is a captivating, skin-deep experience that will leave viewers terrified, enthralled and deeply moved all at once. . The clever use of New York City's inherent noise as a central plot element is both innovative and effective, allowing the film to stand out in an already crowded horror genre. This film doesn't just meet expectations, it exceeds them, offering a thrilling journey from start to finish. Whether you're a long-time fan of this cinematic saga or a newcomer, A Quiet Place: Day One is a cinematic experience not to be missed, and will leave you speechless and deeply tocuhated. The film's final scene will long remain engraved in our memory, reminding us of the importance of keeping our humanity intact despite total chaos.

A Quiet Place: Day One
Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski
Story by John Krasinski, Michael Sarnoski
Based on the characters of Bryan Woods and Scott Beck
Produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, John Krasinski
With Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou
Cinematography: Pat Scola
Editing: Andrew Mondshein, Gregory Plotkin
Music: Alexis Grapsas
Production companies: Platinum Dunes; Sunday Night Productions
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: June 26, 2024 (Tribeca), June 26, 2024 (France), June 28, 2024 (U.S.).
Running time: 99 minutes

Seen on June 26, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Imax Room seat E21

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