A Quiet Place

Official Australian release date: 5/4/18. Viewed: 7/4/18.

Director: John Krasinski

Actors: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe

Genre: Thriller / Horror

Rating: M

  

‘A Quiet Place’ is a really well-made thriller, which is interesting since Krasinski (yes, the guy from the American ‘The Office’) is the director, co-writer, producer and star. It’s not necessarily a horror film (hence the ‘M’ rating), but is certainly packed full of tension and suspense and has plenty of jumpy moments. The film makes a bold choice early on and does a good job of setting the scene, while not revealing too much.

This is true of the monsters/creatures – we’re not told where they’re from, how many there is or what’s going on in the wider world. The whole focus is on the one family – Lee (Krasinski), Evelyn (Blunt), and their three kids, Regan (Simmonds), Marcus (Jupe) and Beau (Woodward). The use of sound is exceptional and the lack of speaking very unique. There’s sign language and subtitles, but it’s hardly needed, thanks to the superb score.

‘A Quiet Place’ is similar to last year’s ‘It Comes At Night’ in concept, but better executed. It doesn’t overstay welcome (90 min) and fully delivers on both building pressure and having plenty of legitimate scares by making you ask “what would I do in this situation?” Krasinski and the kids are good, but Blunt is excellent and shows all her emotions excellently. Also has a solid ending.

Overall: Great character-focused thriller.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.