Review #48 | "A Quiet Place" (2018)

John Krasinski never set out to make a horror film, never watched movies as a child, and also proclaims to be one of those people who is easily scared and cries at movies. So how did he direct "A Quiet Place" to such success not only at the box office but among critics and fans as well? Krasinski says it's all about family.

Krasinkski stars in, directed, and shares a writing credit for "A Quiet Place" which makes this film one of his most involved and personal projects to date. Family certainly runs through the themes of the film as the Abbott family survive together in post-apocalyptic conditions where, if they make noise, they are hunted by vicious alien beings who locate by sound alone. The family dynamics are a large part of what makes these characters so likable and keep the audience peeking between their fingers to make sure they're okay. It certainly doesn't hurt that the very talented Emily Blunt, also Krasinski's wife, stars in the film as well. Working together on "A Quiet Place" so soon after having their second daughter must have made this film more personal to both actors. Their performances and chemistry together onscreen certainly matches or exceeds the obvious chemistry they share as a real couple. To say the least, together they are unstoppable.

The children of "A Quiet Place" are quite convincing as well. Millicent Simmonds plays the oldest child of the Abbott family. Simmonds herself is a deaf actress and brought her need to communicate via American sign language to the set of the film. As the family communicates to each other in the same way, for survival as well as communication to their daughter, the reality of the world of "A Quiet Place" feels more visceral and the fear very palpable. The cast's handling of signing feels very natural and their acting does not falter while handling the language. Their success should inspire other filmmakers and allow the exploration of sign language in film.

The classic tropes of horror cinema do not disappear in this bizarre silent world. Jump scares work to their full advantage in this world where the smallest unexpected move could lead to certain death. When there is sound it is not only deafening, but it is also an effective psychological tool on the audience. The mere presence of sound in this film will make one's blood run cold, but the crescendo and rhythm of music and sound effects used in conjunction with the editing brings out the best of the genre.

"A Quiet Place" sets a new standard for the suspense and horror genres. Hopefully we will see more inventive horror cinema in the future, whether from Krasinski or other fresh directors.

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"A Quiet Place" is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Directed by John Krasinski.

Starring John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe.