The silence is back—but this time, it’s the beginning of the nightmare. A Quiet Place: Day One, directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig), takes us back to ground zero of the alien invasion, showing the world’s collapse in real-time.
With Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn leading the charge, does this prequel capture the tension and emotional depth of the original films, or does it just make noise? Let’s find out.
The Setup: Chaos in the Big City
Unlike the rural isolation of the previous films, Day One throws us into the heart of New York City—where silence is impossible.
We follow Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a former poet battling terminal cancer, and Eric (Joseph Quinn), an English law student, as they navigate the first day of the invasion. Djimon Hounsou returns from A Quiet Place Part II, adding some continuity to the chaos.
The film doesn’t waste time—within minutes, the city erupts into absolute terror, with people screaming, running, and getting ripped apart by the sound-sensitive creatures.
What Works: Tension, Performances & Atmosphere
✔ Lupita Nyong’o is phenomenal. Sam’s battle with illness adds a unique layer to the film, making her fight for survival even more heartbreaking.
✔ The invasion scenes are terrifying. Seeing New York crumble under the creatures’ relentless attack is some of the best horror imagery in the series.
✔ The film nails the eerie atmosphere. The sound design and cinematography turn silence into a weapon, just like the original movies.
✔ Short but intense. At 99 minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome—it’s a lean, nerve-wracking ride.
Where It Falls Short
✖ Rushed pacing. The fast-moving story doesn’t leave much room for character development or deeper world-building.
✖ Predictable plot. While the setting is fresh, the beats feel familiar, with little new added to the mythology.
✖ Missed potential. The film teases emotional depth and ethical dilemmas but never fully explores them.
Final Rating: 3/5 – Suspenseful but Slightly ShallowA Quiet Place: Day One delivers tense horror, incredible performances, and a thrilling take on the apocalypse’s first moments. But it doesn’t quite reach the depth and emotional weight of its predecessors.
Still, if you’re a fan of the franchise, it’s a must-watch—just don’t expect it to reinvent the silence.
