Summary
8 tech score
“A Quiet Place” (Paramount)
“A Quiet Place” is one of those movies that turns up the terror factor without being all gross and bloody about it. Director and star John Krasinski lets the fear factor occur based on the theme of the story and the likability of the characters involved. Its “aliens vs us” plot sounds trite but as delivered by Krasinski it never is.
When the movie opens the alien invasion has already occurred with devastating consequences. The humans left alive live in remote areas and scavenge in small towns for medicines and food staples. They lead lives of quiet desperation as they have learned the alien creatures attack based on sound.
Lee and Evelyn Abbott (Krasinski and Emily Blunt) have three children. The oldest is a daughter Regan (Millicent Simmonds), who is deaf. Next is Marcus (Noah Jube) followed by Beau (Cade Woodward). All three are aware they must stay quiet because of the aliens, but for Beau this is difficult because he is so young.
The movie plays out all of its scenes realistically with the paramount message being do what it takes to protect the children. This protection must come at all costs and the two adult actors project this passion vividly.
The child actors in this film are exceptionally good with Simmonds being outstanding. She made quite an impression in the film “Wonderstruck” and continues to show real depth in this film. Being deaf in real life she can certainly empathize with her character’s plight. She is adept at sign language but it is the play of emotions across her face that creates the impact of her character.
Krasinski and Blunt are married in real life so the warmth of their scenes are enhanced by this knowledge. Krasinski is one of the most likable actors in Hollywood today and his general goodness shines through in his performance. Blunt has acting talent to spare and she makes Evelyn a woman of strength and determination but who is also enough of a realist to be terrified in some of the situations she confronts.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence.
Everything about this movie is well done. Krasinski’s direction is right on target and the script which he co-wrote is direct and valid. Plus he has assembled an excellent group of actors to get the story told. It is a precise film – precisely the right story, precisely the right actors, precisely the right mix of fear, apprehension and violence. It just all comes together in a thoroughly entertaining way.“A Quiet Place” is this year’s “Get Out,” an implausible type pf movie that portends to be one of the best of the year.
I scored “A Quiet Place” a shouting 8 out of 10.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
