DIRECTED BY: JOHN KRASINSKI
STARRING: EMILY BLUNT, CILLIAN MURPHY, & MILLICENT SIMMONDS
RATED PG-13 FOR TERROR, VIOLENCE AND BLOODY/DISTURBING IMAGES
LENGTH: 97 MINUTES
Nobody expected the 2018 horror pic A Quiet Place to be as big of a hit as it was. Directed, co-written, and starring The Office alum John Krasinski and co-starring his real-life wife Emily Blunt; the film was a huge hit both critically and financially raking in $340.9 million at the worldwide box off a $17 million budget. While Krasinski was initially hesitant about making a sequel, seeing it as a one and done film, Paramount asked him to pitch a sequel that he became quite passionate about. This film ups the budget, the action, the stakes, and the cast and is hoping to be the movie that rejuvenates the movie theater experience.
After an incredible opening scene depicting day-one of the monster invasion, A Quiet Place Part II then picks up mere minutes after the events of the first movie. Evelyn Abott (Blunt) realizes that she and her family are no longer safe at their farmhouse and decide to venture out. Their trek ultimately leads them to Emmett (Cillian Murphy) an old family friend who warns them of the greater dangers that lurk beyond.
Often times a sequel comes along and it's attempts to build-upon it's predecessor fail miserably. This is not one of those times. A Quiet Place Part II is one of the best horror movie sequels ever put to screen. Though much like recent films of the genre, it starts to stray away from being a classic horror movie and more of a tentpole film whilst not forgetting what made the original so special to begin with. The way Krasinski skillfully masters the tension filled scenes are proof that there is no other way to see this film than in a movie theater. The suspense looms over the film leaving the audience feeling uneasy but still having that movie theater experience they've been waiting over a year and a half for.
Blunt continues to shine in the role of the motherly Evelyn and new addition Murphy gives a strong turn as Emmett perfectly combining the tragic and intriguing shades of his character. The true stars of the show are the film's young stars Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, Simmonds in particular gives a stellar performance and her character of Regan is one of the best action heroines of the past five years.
While it's easy to gush about how well Krasinski has succeeded in creating a follow-up that's on the level of the previous film, A Quiet Place Part II isn't without a couple of issues. Namely that the film doesn't feel as smooth as the first film, it could because of the broadened scope but this sequel doesn't quite match the breakneck pacing that the original had.
A Quiet Place Part II, much like the first film, is a movie that's made to be seen in the theater. The overall execution as well as the atmosphere cannot be seen in it's full effect when watching at home. It's the kind of genre film that audiences have clearly taking a liking to and deservingly show.
4.5/5 Stars
A Quiet Place Part II is now playing in theaters everywhere.