I went into A Quiet Place – Day One with specific expectations based on what I’d seen in other apocalyptic disaster movies. The kind where we usually get to see precisely how the authorities respond to such catastrophes. And where the focus is primarily on one or two families and the actions they take to survive.
The films that came before, namely, A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II only met one of the above expectations. And it’s debatable whether A Quiet Place – Day One meets either. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing; even though it might be why the movie disappoints some people.
Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou and Alex Wolffe, the performances in the Michael Sarnoski-directed drama/horror/sci-fi film are good. Yes, the story is quite different from most disaster movies you’ve seen before, but arguably in a refreshing way.
Granted, I may have wanted more than I got in some ways, but the scares and tense, edge-of-your-seat moments that made the first two films special are still present in this third instalment. My favourite moments include the above and below-water scenes before the church, plus that well-captured dash at the end.
There’s also the way the movie opens with an interesting fact about New York City’s noise levels. A perfect way to focus the audience’s attention – a reminder to take it all in before the silence is all we have. No wonder all that noise sounded musical, thanks to expert sound engineering.
A Quiet Place – Day One will probably make you think about your city and your relationship to it because as cliché as the following statement may be, ‘New York City is one of the key characters of this movie‘.
Watch A Quiet Place – Day One and be moved, perhaps even to tears. Whether it’s because of the heartbreaking story, the reminder of how much you love your life, or your favourite city/home town, among other things.
To my super pleasant surprise, I loved the musical score. Yes, I noticed that the score worked perfectly with the film as it played. Still, just as that famous song started to play in the very last scene, I was extra glad I sat in my seat until the credits finished rolling because all the music that played over the credits was gorgeous! Gorgeous, I tell you! Try it and see. You probably won’t regret it.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
Oooh… Different? Great score? New York City? Say no more more! 😆 I’ll be seeing this one tomorrow.
😁! Enjoy! It’s not perfect but there are things to love, for sure.
Another goodie!!!! Gonig to see it tomorrow.
By the way we saw Inside out and OMG we LOVED it1
It is indeed! I hope you enjoy it all, including the music as the credits roll. 🤓🎶
Great review. I appreciate your honesty discussing the things that you liked and what didn’t work for you in the movie. “A Quiet Place Day 1” is one of my anticipated movies of the year. I was such a huge fan of the first film which raised the bar for the horror movie genre. The film proved sounds could be used in horror films to build tension. I’m very curious to see how this prequel turns out without the actors from the original.
Here’s my thoughts on the first film:
So happy you enjoyed this one, G. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from “Day One,” but I didn’t enjoy the film. The expectation I had of seeing the beginning of the invasion on such a large populated area was for a much wider-scope, action-oriented movie…at least for a good chunk of it. The film for me instead was a consolidated, small footprint, very personal story (like the first film was with primarily one family in peril), and it ultimately wasn’t what I was hoping for at all. The acting was top-notch, and I do agree the sound and score are worthy of praise also. It was very heartening to see the box office do so well, and I hope there is another film that takes the story forward once more.
I think there are several people who feel the same as you do. I blame the trailer for reinforcing the expectations, with mentions of London and the end of times. 🤓 I was convinced the story would have a wide scope too, and even be global. But perhaps that would have needed a series.
My fingers are also crossed for another A Quiet Place. Maybe eventually, they will meet our initial expectations. One can hope.
I liked the first two better. But this one is still a must see.
That’s understandable. The first one is my favourite. I’m still wondering if we’ll ever see how the authorities react. Either way, I’m fully down for another A Quiet Place instalment.
I found ‘Day One’ quite touching, and brilliantly acted.
I fully agree. In fact, I’m ready for the next instalment. 🤓
Those two disaster movie expectations are on point. And I do tend to be frustrated when I don’t get to see how the authorities respond, or find out why its happening. But its not a deal breaker… Loved hearing your favorite scenes, and that you liked the musical score – That’s always a plus. I’ll stick around for the end credits when I watch.
Thank you for the kind words. 🙏🥂 We can be sure that another A Quiet Place movie in the works and I’ll certainly be watching.