Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Released 06-28-2024
Watched 06-29-2024
Reviewed 07-01-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"I'm going to Brooklyn to get Pizza."
Directed by Michael Sarnoski, is an intense apocalyptic horror film that serves as a captivating prequel and spin-off to the A Quiet Place series. This installment delves into the chaotic early days of the extraterrestrial invasion with raw and poignant storytelling, earning it a solid 4-star rating.
The film stars Lupita Nyong’o as Samira, a terminally ill woman who finds herself amidst the terrifying onset of an alien invasion in New York City. Supported by a talented cast including Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, and Djimon Hounsou, who reprises his role from Part 2, the film captures the desperate and silent struggle for survival against creatures with an acute sense of hearing.
The plot centers around Samira, who, along with her cat Frodo, is forced to navigate the treacherous streets of Manhattan after the invasion begins. The narrative skillfully intertwines quiet tension and sudden horror moments, highlighting the characters’ vulnerabilities and resilience. Frodo's presence adds a unique and heartwarming element, providing a rare emotional anchor in the midst of chaos.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to make you care deeply for the characters, especially Samira and Frodo. Unlike the previous films, where the characters are already seasoned in their silent survival, Day One throws ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances without warning. This immediacy and rawness make their plight more relatable and heart-wrenching.
The film’s direction is commendable, with Sarnoski’s vision bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise. The cinematography, particularly the recreated New York City set in London, adds authenticity and depth to the visual experience. The sound design, crucial in a movie where silence is a matter of life and death, is impeccably executed, making every creak and whisper feel significant. I was particularly surprised at how important the sound was here. In a movie where the main characters are trying to be silent, the XD surround sound of the theater adds to the sound of the creatures and every little or booming sound that attracts them.
While the film may not reach the same level of terror as its predecessors, it compensates with strong performances and emotional depth. Nyong’o’s portrayal of Samira is particularly noteworthy, bringing a blend of strength and vulnerability that grounds the film in raw humanity. Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff also deliver compelling performances, enhancing the film’s overall impact.