A Quiet Place: Day One (Vietnamese Title: Vùng Đất Câm Lặng: Ngày Một) has received significant attention from critics as one of the most anticipated blockbusters of this summer.
Notably, this film serves as a prequel to the renowned horror series A Quiet Place—both previous installments grossing over $600 million worldwide despite a combined production cost of only $78 million.
The project is currently garnering positive feedback, achieving significant box office success, and has recently ranked third on the Box Office Vietnam charts (a dedicated box office monitoring unit).
When the World Begins to Feel
A Quiet Place: Day One features a wholly original storyline compared to its predecessors. As the title suggests, the film sets the stage on the first day when alien creatures with super-sensitive hearing invade Earth.
The main character in the film is Sam (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminal cancer patient living in a house on the outskirts of New York City, accompanied by her beloved cat named Frodo.
Determined to venture into Manhattan to see the fireworks, she becomes caught in a horror scene as the city is swept away by extraterrestrial forces.
After a chaotic encounter, Sam meets law student Eric (Joseph Quinn), who is also trapped in New York. They must find a way to survive amidst the constant threat from bloodthirsty creatures that cannot be distracted by sound.
In contrast to the previous installments, the film creates a grand atmosphere due to the expansive urban setting. Many explosive scenes enhance the tension and excitement.
Filming took place during the day rather than at night, allowing the audience to witness the terrifying forms of the creatures in the movie.
However, the key element that drives the narrative is the relationship between the characters. Through this lens, the film emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection.
Even in the harshest conditions, humanity can prevail if individuals learn to trust one another and work together to survive.
Stunning Visuals
Initially, the project was directed by Jeff Nichols—known for Take Shelter (2011), Mud (2012), Midnight Special (2016). However, he stepped down due to creative differences with producer John Krasinski, who also directed the first two installments.
Eventually, the project was handed over to relatively younger director Michael Sarnoski. Nevertheless, the influence of producer Michael Bay, known for his blockbuster style, has resulted in visually impressive scenes.
With a budget of $67 million, A Quiet Place: Day One is the highest-budget film of the franchise, nearly matching the combined cost of the first two films. The significant investment is evident in the visual effects and action sequences, creating a grand cinematic experience.
The film’s production team has skillfully captured the essence of the franchise while enhancing the visual storytelling. The sound design in the film is also meticulously crafted, creating an immersive atmosphere that amplifies the audience’s sense of fear.
The jump scare scenes are effectively executed, evoking surprise and tension for the viewers. A portion of the film features intense violence, leading to a T16 rating (suitable for viewers aged 16 and above) upon its release in Vietnam.
Although the storyline is set in New York City, most of the filming took place in London, UK. The film prioritizes authenticity in its locations while simultaneously constructing a realistic environment for the audience.
Lupita Nyong’o Shines
Lupita Nyong’o has had a relatively quiet period since her leading role in Us (2019). Therefore, her performance as Sam can be seen as a significant return for the Oscar-winning star.
In her role as Sam, Lupita Nyong’o demonstrates impressive versatility. The challenge lies in portraying a character who is not only vulnerable but also must convey deep emotional resonance.
According to IMDb, Nyong’o asserts that the role is also a crucial element in making her character compelling and captivating. Notably, the actress is a cat lover, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to her relationship with Frodo, her feline companion in the film.
From her expressions alone, Nyong’o manages to convey the internal struggles of her character in a nuanced manner, allowing the audience to feel the desperation and hope that exists amid the impending doom.
The supporting cast also plays a significant role, particularly Joseph Quinn as Eric. The British star matches well with lead actress Lupita Nyong’o, contributing to a more engaging narrative.
Upon release, A Quiet Place: Day One rapidly received accolades from both critics and audiences alike. The film achieved a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 87% positive reviews and a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb. The high praise is largely attributed to Michael Sarnoski’s direction and the performances of the stars.
In conclusion, the success of A Quiet Place: Day One stems from the meticulous efforts of the entire team. Paramount Pictures dedicated several years to perfecting the project without rushing through production.
Choosing Lupita Nyong’o for the role of Sam was also a brilliant decision from the director and production team.
