Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
A Quiet Place is a horror-thriller motion picture from director and writer John Krasinski and stars Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Millicent Simmonds. It follows the story of a family forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing in a post-apocalyptic world.
Under The Lens: Family and sacrifice
Family: While A Quiet Place is a horror picture with plenty of chills and thrills, it is at its very core a film about family. The monsters and the setting are just window dressing for the real story, which is about a family staying together and taking care of one another no matter what. In fact, if the freaky monsters were removed from the story and replaced with something else, not that much of the core narrative and themes would be taken with them. A Quiet place like George Romero seeks to tell a tale that means something and uses its monsters as a way to draw the viewer in.
Sacrifice: A sub-theme within this picture is that of sacrifice and the sacrifices that parents make for the children they are caring for. John Krasinski showcases the beautiful power of a father and husband determined to protect his family at all costs, even if that cost is his own life. His character’s death at the hands of the creatures is a tragic moment, but one that is tinged with love, as he lovingly says goodbye to his children before sacrificing his life so they can escape from the creature hunting them. While the concept of sacrifice is nothing new in motion pictures, A Quiet Place managed to put a new spin on it and bring out the emotion in the act.
Highlights
The picture has a sense of creepiness and dread that permeates the whole run time, its delightful and draws one into the world.
Emily Blunt turned in a magnificent performance, especially as she hides from a monster hunting her in a dark home.
An encounter with an old man in the woods is a scary and horrifying moment that helps to build the danger and tension the characters face.
Something to think about
What extremes would you go to in order to protect your family in a setting such as A Quiet Place?
Conclusion
Overall A Quiet Place is a strong horror thriller, it’s a perfect introduction to horror motion pictures for those who wish to experience the genre but who are unsure where to start. The picture is anchored by strong performances by the core cast and has an excellent script. The film does fall into some horror genre tropes with jump scares, but overall while old, they are well executed. The biggest letdown is the monster designs, as they feel rather bland and unoriginal, leaving the viewer with a “that’s it?” feeling once they are revealed. A Quiet Place is a powerful third offering in John Krasinski‘s directorial career.
