A Quiet Place (2018) Dir: John Krasinski
Instagram post:
The last time I watched this film, I was 19 - that feels like an age ago now. As such, it felt like now was a good time to revisit it, considering how much I had enjoyed it back then. It still amazes me that John Krasinski directed this, simply because of how good a job he did.
The film has a truly great horror premise, with a pretty solid monster behind it. It feels a little similar to other films of the late 2010's, like 'Bird Box', although I would argue that this film is much better. It keeps the story basic enough, but it thrives on that simplicity.
Often films like these overcomplicate themselves, and become convoluted, or worse, boring. This does neither. The audience knows exactly what the threat is and how the characters need to behave to survive it, as well as the risk if they fail to do so. As such, sound is obviously a vital element of the film, one which Krasinski and his co-stars never fail to emphasise.
Every diegetic sound in the film is important, and serves the story in some way. The narrative is driven by it, and everything comes second to it. The emotional heart of the film is strong, although there is one tendril of it that which I wished could've been more explored. That aside, I am a big fan of it.
John Krasinski is the father of this film, as well as the father character in the story, and there is something to be said about how compassionate and paternal his portrayal of a father in this film is. His emotions feel so grounded in reality, and his performance reflects that beautifully, particularly during the climax of the story.
Some of Emily Blunt's acting throughout the film was exemplary, particularly in the final thirty minutes, in which she and her character move into another gear of impressive. I love the strength of her character, and Blunt emulates that very effectively with her acting.
Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe provide endearing and compelling portrayals of children in an end of the world scenario. Simmonds impressed with some of her lone-acting, while Jupe reminded me somewhat of the boy in 'Jurassic Park' - I mean this as a compliment.
Overall, I'm so glad that I decided to rewatch this after so long. It's a hugely effective modern horror film, which scares its audience without being too graphic, instead choosing to utilise sound and implied danger, as the catalyst of all of its suspense and high stakes. I still haven't seen the other two films in this franchise, but revisiting this certainly makes them a lot more appealing.
Comentarios