In a world where silence means survival, “A Quiet Place: Day One” takes us back to the beginning of a terrifying alien invasion
A World of Silence
In a world where the slightest sound can be deadly, the latest instalment in the A Quiet Place franchise, Day One, takes us back to the beginning of the alien invasion that rendered the world silent. Directed by Sarnoski, this prequel stars Lupita Nyong’o as Samira, a determined and resilient heroine who refuses to give up in the face of adversity.
A Slice of Pizza and a Cat’s Purr
The film’s opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as Samira, a hospice patient, becomes obsessed with having a slice of pizza, no matter the cost. This obsession is matched only by her love for her cat, Frodo, who is perhaps the quietest specimen of his species ever born. As the world around her descends into chaos, Frodo remains eerily calm, letting out barely a purr as the creatures roam free.
A World of Silence
The creatures, which arrived on meteors, are fully prepared to kill and maim at the slightest hint of a sound. It doesn’t take long for the survivors to realize that staying absolutely quiet is the only way to avoid being killed. The film takes us on a journey through the early days of the invasion, as Samira stumbles through a fast-collapsing world, encountering various characters along the way.
A Relationship Born from Desperation
Samira’s journey is not without its challenges, as she forms a relationship with Eric, a frightened Englishman who emerges from the water. The two form a bond that is only possible between people staring death in the face. Their relationship is helped along by Frodo, who has a habit of straying into the mouths of monsters at every turn.
A Poet’s Touch
Samira’s backstory is revealed through her poetry, which becomes a symbol of her resilience and determination to not let despondence get the better of her. Her father was a pianist who played at a club in Harlem, and the film takes us on a detour to a church, where a beam of sunlight streams in through a hole in the shape of Africa.
A Brilliant Performance
Lupita Nyong’o shines as Samira, bringing depth and complexity to the character that is unmatched in the franchise. Her performance is predictably brilliant, as she conveys terror, resilience, and determination with ease. Quinn gives her able company, but it’s clear that Nyong’o is the star of the show.
A Unique Cinematic Experience
While the film may not be as good as the original, it still offers a unique cinematic experience that is worth watching. The use of rain, thunder, and lightning to create a sense of tension is particularly effective, and the film’s climax is both intense and emotional.
The Ending Explained
The ending of the film is a topic of much debate, with many fans wondering if Frodo, the cat, survived the invasion. According to an interview with the director, Frodo’s fate is left ambiguous, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions.
Conclusion
A Quiet Place: Day One is a thrilling prequel that refuses to settle down. With a brilliant performance from Lupita Nyong’o, the film takes us on a journey through the early days of the alien invasion, offering a unique cinematic experience that is worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or just looking for a new horror movie to watch, Day One is definitely worth checking out.
