A Quiet Place: Day One review: Latest horror leaves 'common sense behind along with suspense'

The latest installment in the Quiet Place series, 'A Quiet Place: Day One', offers a beautifully crafted emotional story but falls short in delivering the same level of suspense as its predecessors. The film stars Lupita Nyong'o as Samira, a character who is already dealing with personal troubles before the noise-sensitive creatures descend upon New York City. Samira, who is ill and emotionally drained, reluctantly joins a group trip to New York, lured by the promise of theatre and pizza. This prequel to the original 'A Quiet Place' films, both directed by John Krasinski, introduces the same terrifying aliens—giant, spindly, spider-like creatures that are blind but hypersensitive to noise.

Unlike the rural setting of the first two films, 'Day One' takes place in the bustling city of New York, a location that adds a new layer of complexity to the story. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, who co-wrote the story with Krasinski, this film marks Sarnoski's second feature. His first film, 'Pig', was a unique blend of character study and crime plot. 'A Quiet Place: Day One' attempts a similar hybrid approach, combining sci-fi elements with human drama, but the blend is less successful this time around. Sarnoski excels in directing action scenes and working with actors, but the film loses its suspense after an initial burst of action.

The emotional core of the film revolves around the friendship between Samira and a young law student named Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. Their bond is touching and well-portrayed, thanks to the strong performances by Nyong'o and Quinn. However, the film struggles to maintain the high level of tension set by Krasinski's earlier installments. While 'Day One' refreshes the series' concept, it ultimately feels like a diminished addition. The film's pacing slows down significantly, and the creatures, though still present, seem less threatening. The focus shifts more towards themes of grief and life rather than the monsters, making it a somewhat sloppy entry in what is supposed to be a scary movie series.