A Quiet Place: Day One thrills with heart-pounding prequel

Quiet Place
(Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.)

Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, A Quiet Place: Day One breathes new life into the already thrilling A Quiet Place franchise with a gripping prequel that delves into the chaotic early days of the alien invasion. This third installment stands out with its compelling narrative, strong performances, and intense atmosphere, proving a worthy addition to the series.

Bigger in scope than the two previous films, Day One still keeps the heart by centering on Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminally ill woman whose quiet existence is shattered by the sudden arrival of sound-sensitive extraterrestrial creatures in New York City. Nyong’o delivers a powerful performance, portraying Samira’s vulnerability and resilience with remarkable depth. Her journey through a rapidly deteriorating cityscape, accompanied by her loyal cat Frodo, forms the film’s emotional core.

Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff offer solid support as Eric and Reuben, respectively. Wolff’s Reuben provides a brief yet impactful portrayal of a compassionate nurse, while Quinn’s Eric evolves from a shell-shocked survivor to a beacon of hope and companionship for Samira. Djimon Hounsou reprises his role from A Quiet Place Part II, adding continuity and a sense of familiarity for fans of the series.



Sarnoski, known for his directorial debut Pig, brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. His direction, combined with a script co-written with John Krasinski, captures the tension and terror of the alien invasion from a new vantage point. The film’s pacing is relentless, keeping viewers on edge from the first meteor-like objects falling from the sky to the climactic finale.

The cinematography by Pat Scola and the haunting score by Alexis Grapsas contribute significantly to the film’s atmosphere. Scola’s visuals effectively capture the stark contrast between the bustling city and its eerie transformation into a silent, perilous wasteland. Grapsas’s music underscores the tension, enhancing the emotional weight of Samira’s journey.

Where the film excels is its ability to blend horror with poignant human moments. The scenes where Samira and Eric bond over her poetry and his magic tricks provide a respite from the relentless terror, reminding audiences of the enduring human spirit amidst catastrophe.

The film’s climax is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Samira’s selfless act to ensure Eric and Frodo’s safety, accompanied by Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, is a powerful testament to her character’s growth and acceptance. It’s a poignant reminder of the small yet significant acts of courage and kindness that define humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

A Quiet Place: Day One is a masterful addition to the franchise, offering a fresh perspective while staying true to the series’ core elements. Sarnoski’s direction, combined with stellar performances and a gripping narrative, ensures that this prequel stands tall alongside its predecessors.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, this film is a must-watch, promising a thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

BOTTOM LINE: A Quiet Place: Day One is a REEL SEE.


This article was brought to you free. The independent team who brought it to you is not. Please support Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago by donating here.


The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.

Quiet Place
(Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.)

Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, A Quiet Place: Day One breathes new life into the already thrilling A Quiet Place franchise with a gripping prequel that delves into the chaotic early days of the alien invasion. This third installment stands out with its compelling narrative, strong performances, and intense atmosphere, proving a worthy addition to the series.

Bigger in scope than the two previous films, Day One still keeps the heart by centering on Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminally ill woman whose quiet existence is shattered by the sudden arrival of sound-sensitive extraterrestrial creatures in New York City. Nyong’o delivers a powerful performance, portraying Samira’s vulnerability and resilience with remarkable depth. Her journey through a rapidly deteriorating cityscape, accompanied by her loyal cat Frodo, forms the film’s emotional core.

Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff offer solid support as Eric and Reuben, respectively. Wolff’s Reuben provides a brief yet impactful portrayal of a compassionate nurse, while Quinn’s Eric evolves from a shell-shocked survivor to a beacon of hope and companionship for Samira. Djimon Hounsou reprises his role from A Quiet Place Part II, adding continuity and a sense of familiarity for fans of the series.



Sarnoski, known for his directorial debut Pig, brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. His direction, combined with a script co-written with John Krasinski, captures the tension and terror of the alien invasion from a new vantage point. The film’s pacing is relentless, keeping viewers on edge from the first meteor-like objects falling from the sky to the climactic finale.

The cinematography by Pat Scola and the haunting score by Alexis Grapsas contribute significantly to the film’s atmosphere. Scola’s visuals effectively capture the stark contrast between the bustling city and its eerie transformation into a silent, perilous wasteland. Grapsas’s music underscores the tension, enhancing the emotional weight of Samira’s journey.

Where the film excels is its ability to blend horror with poignant human moments. The scenes where Samira and Eric bond over her poetry and his magic tricks provide a respite from the relentless terror, reminding audiences of the enduring human spirit amidst catastrophe.

The film’s climax is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Samira’s selfless act to ensure Eric and Frodo’s safety, accompanied by Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, is a powerful testament to her character’s growth and acceptance. It’s a poignant reminder of the small yet significant acts of courage and kindness that define humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

A Quiet Place: Day One is a masterful addition to the franchise, offering a fresh perspective while staying true to the series’ core elements. Sarnoski’s direction, combined with stellar performances and a gripping narrative, ensures that this prequel stands tall alongside its predecessors.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, this film is a must-watch, promising a thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

BOTTOM LINE: A Quiet Place: Day One is a REEL SEE.


This article was brought to you free. The independent team who brought it to you is not. Please support Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago by donating here.


The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.