Graphic by Clara Boberg
Charlie Weinstein
Arts Reporter
About a year ago, Get Out hit the screens. It took the world by storm and was a massive surprise, mainly because of the man who was behind it, Jordan Peele. Peele was previously known for writing and starring in the sketch comedy show, Key & Peele. Who knew that the man behind so many hilarious Obama impressions was an auteur director? Similarly, before A Quiet Place, John Krasinski was best known for starring in the hit show, The Office. While on the show, he showcased his significant comedic chops. With A Quiet Place, I was just as shocked to learn how comfortable Krasinski is behind the camera.
A Quiet Place tells the story of a family living amidst an alien invasion. The family is made up of John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as the two parents, Noah Jupe as their son, and Millicent Simmonds as their deaf daughter. The aliens hunt humans using their advanced echolocation, which means that the family has to make as little noise as possible in order to survive. In turn, this results in the film having very little dialogue. The characters use gestures and sign language in order to communicate.
A Quiet Place benefits from its focus on its cast. Too many horror films these days get wrapped up in creating a unique premise that they forget to have equally memorable characters. The Purge (2013) stands out as a notable example. That movie has a fascinating concept, which could have led to an interesting examination of the inherent nature of man, but it ended up favoring cheap thrills over its main characters. The secret to A Quiet Place‘s success is that it is not actually about aliens; it is about family.
The ensemble is solid. Millicent Simmonds is fine as the daughter, but Noah Jupe manages to deliver a more nuanced performance. John Krasinski gives his character primal qualities. He comes across like a lion protecting his cubs; however, Emily Blunt manages to steal the show. If Krasinski is like a lion, Blunt is like a mama bear. She provides a strong maternal presence throughout the movie, which was certainly inspired by her real-life children with Krasinski. She also masterfully conveys genuine fear. In one scene involving a bathtub, Blunt’s facial expressions help ratchet up the tension and suspense more than any music cue or jumpscare ever could. Blunt is quickly proving herself to be one of the most talented actresses around.
The film’s pacing is strong throughout. The film runs at a brisk 90 minutes, making sure not to wear out its central gimmick. The premise of aliens using their echolocation to prey on humans manages to stay fresh from start to finish. Krasinski plays with the concept in smart ways. For example, the characters are able to talk when they go to a waterfall, as the sound of the rushing water blocks out any noises they create. This being said, I hope they do not decide to make a sequel to the film. While the ending is unfittingly goofy, the film feels complete on its own. A sequel would only serve to tire out the film’s inventive concept.
A Quiet Place is one of the freshest thrillers in a long while. It is successful due to its focus on the central family, its talented cast, and its confident pacing. While the plot may stumble towards the end, ultimately it is not enough to ruin what came before. It is a nail-biting piece of unabashed entertainment. Overall, A Quiet Place deserves an A-.
