More often than not sequels, especially horror film sequels, do not come at all close to being on par with the original (I’m looking at you, “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2”). However, John Krasinki’s “A Quiet Place Part II” is one of the rare exceptions.
The film picks up right where the first film took off; Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and her children (Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must abandon their home and must seek a new one. The opening scene, which gives brief insight into how the sound-sensitive creatures came about, is so well-executed, and it immediately emerges you into the tense world that “A Quiet Place” built.
John Krasinski crafted an entirely unique story with the first film. Here, he continues the story with enough intensity to keep you gripping your seat. Krasinski is truly a gifted screenwriter and excels at world building. As you are watching the film, you feel like you are part of the character’s world. This is because so much of the narrative is reliant on sound (or lack thereof) and visuals. The sound design is incredible once again, and it is something you just have to experience in the movie theatre. I particularly loved that when we were supposed to “hear” things from the daughter’s perspective; instead we hear nothing but silence, save for a faint staticky humming.
The editing is some of the best I have seen in a long time. There are times when characters are doing something that mirrors what another character is doing; the crosscutting to show the parallels is done so smoothly. The match-cut transitions are seamless.
One of the elements of the “A Quiet Place” films is that they do not rely on jump scares or cheap gimmicks to achieve its horror. The impeccable camerawork—combined with eerie silence and excellent direction from Krasinski—is more than enough to keep you engrossed in the story and anticipating the next terrifying moment.
Krasinski chose to let the kids take the lead this time around, and it’s another spot-on decision made by him. Allowing a talented actress like Emily Blunt to take a backseat is a risky move, but the kids shine in the driver’s seat. Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, but especially Simmonds, give outstanding performances that prove they can hold their own against the adults. They carry the weight of their own scenes. Krasinski is smart enough to know continuing this story included a need for growth, and that growth had to come from the children.
The film also stars Golden Globe nominee Cillian Murphy, who performs well here as estranged neighbor Emmett.
It’s hard to compare these films on a scale of which is better. “A Quiet Place” had such an original concept and was so creatively executed; for that reason, I don’t think I can say “Part II” is better, but rather just as good. This is a sequel that will make you glad sequels exist.
*”A Quiet Place Part II” is currently only available to watch in theaters.
