Release Date: June 28, 2024
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou
The Day Silence Fell
After two successful entries directed by John Krasinski focusing on the Abbott family’s rural survival, the “A Quiet Place” franchise expands with this thrilling prequel that takes audiences back to the beginning of the alien invasion. Set in New York City during the first day of the creature attack, “A Quiet Place: Day One” successfully shows the chaos and terror of humanity’s first encounter with the sound-hunting extraterrestrials.
Official Trailer
[Embed trailer here]
Synopsis and Review
“A Quiet Place: Day One” shifts focus from the Abbott family to follow Sam (Lupita Nyong’o), a woman visiting New York City when the invasion begins. As the city descends into panic and destruction, Sam forms an unlikely alliance with Eric (Joseph Quinn), a subway maintenance worker who understands the city’s underground pathways.
The film brilliantly depicts the terrifying transition from normal, noisy human life to the silent world of the main series. Director Michael Sarnoski manages to maintain the tension that made the franchise famous while giving the story an urban twist that differentiates it from the rural settings of the previous films.
Nyong’o delivers a standout performance as a woman who must overcome personal challenges while facing the end of the world as we know it. Her chemistry with Joseph Quinn creates an emotional core that grounds the spectacular destruction sequences. Moments of intense silence punctuate the chaos, creating a powerful contrast that shows exactly how and why humanity learned to be quiet.
The creatures are used sparingly but effectively, with several sequences that rank among the most intense in the franchise. Particular praise must go to the Central Park sequence, which transforms a familiar location into a scene of unforgettable horror.
Connections to the Main Series
Djimon Hounsou reprises his role from “A Quiet Place Part II” in an extended cameo that provides welcome connective tissue to the main series timeline. The film also offers revealing details about the creatures’ origins without overexplaining, maintaining the mystery while expanding the mythology.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics have praised the film for its innovative approach to the prequel concept, with many noting that it maintains the franchise’s signature tension while offering a fresh perspective. The New York setting provides visual variety, and Sarnoski’s direction has been commended for balancing character development with spectacular set pieces. The film currently holds an 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Should You Watch It?
For fans of the original films, “Day One” offers essential backstory and context while delivering the same high-tension horror that made the franchise a hit. For newcomers, the prequel serves as an excellent entry point to the series, requiring no prior knowledge of the Abbott family saga. With Nyong’o’s compelling performance and the chaotic New York setting providing a stark contrast to the locations of previous installments, “A Quiet Place: Day One” successfully expands the franchise while honoring what made it special.
Have you seen A Quiet Place: Day One? How do you think it compares to the first two films? Share your thoughts in the comments!