When Michael Sarnoski was announced as the director of the latest installment in John Krasinski's A Quiet Place franchise, I was excited. Fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed film Pig, Sarnoski was a fitting choice to helm a project that would expand the eerie, silent world that Krasinski so masterfully created. This time, however, the story plunges us into the cacophonous chaos of the busiest (and noisiest) city in America – New York City, moving away from the rural, quiet locales of the first two films.

In A Quiet Place: Day One, the prequel chronicles the initial invasion of the sound-sensitive creatures that have devastated humanity. Lupita Nyong'o stars as Samira, a terminal patient in hospice care whose only connections seem to be her cat, Frodo, and her caretaker, Reuben, played by Alex Wolff. As the city is decimated and the military destroys the bridges to prevent the spread of these Death Angels, people must make their way to the waterfront to exit the island of Manhattan, presumably to safety. Samira, however, has a different aim—to get to her favorite pizza place for a (perhaps) final slice of pizza.

The shift to an urban setting breathes fresh life into the franchise, allowing for a new variety of action set pieces that take advantage of the city's verticality and density. Creatures scale and descend skyscrapers, and tense hide-and-seek scenarios play out in subway tunnels. The film elevates the spectacle of the action, offering thrilling sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The urban landscape is beautifully utilized, creating a series of visually stunning and heart-pounding moments.

Lupita Nyong'o shines in the lead role, delivering a compelling and emotional performance. Samira's character arc is moving and provides a strong emotional anchor for the story. Nyong'o's presence is commanding and tender, making her a captivating focal point in the film. I appreciate what Sarnoski is going for here, effectively subverting the idea of a "survival" thriller. That said, Samira's terminal condition somewhat mutes the emotional stakes, a hallmark of the franchise. That the audience knows that she is not long for this earth diminishes some of the tension and urgency that typically accompany the survival elements of the story. This lack of high stakes is a noticeable departure from what fans have come to love about the series. That's not to say that the story doesn't have emotion. However, in the previous two films (particularly the first film), the emotionality was directly tied to the narrative involving these alien creatures, one having taken the life of a young child and a sibling dealing with the tremendous guilt of feeling responsible for that loss. In A Quiet Place: Day One, the emotional elements feel disconnected and unrelated to the alien invasion. Any disaster or state of emergency could be happening in Manhattan, and it wouldn't change Samira's narrative in the slightest.

Character decisions in horror films often require a suspension of disbelief, but Day One pushes this trope to its limits. Some choices made by the characters are particularly confounding and strain credulity. A mass exodus scene, where thousands of people are expected to remain silent while fleeing down a street, feels unrealistic and forced. Additionally, the emphasis on saving a cat at the expense of human safety, though endearing to some, may test the patience of viewers who prioritize realism over sentimentality. It's one thing when Samira risks her life to save Frodo, her lone companion, but another when a total stranger does so.

This brings me to Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. His character latches onto Samira in a way that feels intrusive, nearly getting her killed on multiple occasions. His lack of respect for her requests to leave her alone makes him difficult to root for. His debilitating fear, depicted throughout, makes it a bit unbelievable that he would risk his own life for Samira's cat.

Additionally, the film doesn't do much to expand the lore of the Death Angels—a term I only learned in the behind-the-scenes featurette that played before the movie. However, the franchise's promise of a 'Day One' suggests we would know more about these creatures. We glimpse an 'egg' (I think), which the creatures split open and partake in a feeding frenzy. This 'egg' is a crucial part of the creatures' life cycle, and its appearance hints at a deeper understanding of their biology; however, it doesn't lead anywhere. The location change doesn't meaningfully expand the world of these creatures. This minuscule expansion feels like 'mystery box' storytelling—intentionally vague, leaving the audience wanting more in the form of inevitable sequels.

The lack of precise geography in the urban landscape and sometimes perplexing character decisions may leave viewers wanting more coherence and believability. Nevertheless, the film maintains the franchise's signature tension and atmosphere. The moments of silence, where the entire theater holds its breath, remain as compelling as ever.

A Quiet Place: Day One may differ from the original, but it is a worthy addition to the series. Fans of the franchise will find much to enjoy, from the thrilling action sequences to Lupita Nyong'o's standout performance. While the emotional impact and logical consistency may be less substantial than in the previous films, the film's strengths are undeniable and will surely provide an enjoyable viewing experience.

Despite its shortcomings, A Quiet Place: Day One offers a thrilling and visually impressive franchise expansion. The transfer to a big city setting allows for creative and exciting action sequences, and Lupita Nyong'o's performance is a highlight. However, the film's emotional stakes and some frustrating character choices prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors.

— 3 / 5 ⭐