This is the third film in the franchise. However, this one starts at the beginning. The other two films were directed by John Krasinski and this one is directed by Michael Sarnoski. The beginning of A Quiet Place: Day One reminded me of an approach that that director Roland Emmerich might take. For example, it feels like the catastrophes in this film are leading up to a scenario in which the world is reaching its breaking point. A Quiet Place: Day One gives off vibes where sounds are of the essence. The New York streets shiver for survival and shelter. The creatures who follow vividly stroll the streets. There is a backdrop of evaporating mist that tangles effectively with the film’s suspense. And, it works!

The film begins in New York City. The main character is Sam (played by Lupita Nyong’o). She  is dealing with a disease andliving in a hospice unit. She wishes for pizza. Once she embarks on her journey to downtown New York City, the ravenous invasion of aliens comes alive. The beginning of the franchise rises, and everything comes tumbling down. People scream and run away completely scared. Sam is in the thick of the danger.She wakes up in a shelter and realizes that everyone around her is quiet. She quickly learns that staying quiet is the means to live. Despite the catastrophe all around her and not having long to live, she continues to focus on getting pizza.

Sam’s effort to find pizza during the apocalypse sends a clear message and represents a strong approach. It puts the audience in the mindset of thinking about what their last meal would be. I certainly pondered that question during the movie. The foundations of A Quiet Place: Day One are surreal and build gradually. I have respect for the more subtle attitude displayed in the direction of Sarnoski. His style was especially impressive given that this is a thriller where time is of the essence and characters must remain dreadfully silent.

Sam is not the only character facing danger. She befriends Eric (played by Joseph Quinn). Eric and Sam join up to find the means to fight for their lives. The depths of New York crawl with the creatures. The sporadic sounds cause them to linger repeatedly. However, there is more than just the silence in A Quiet Place: Day One. Sam and Eric’s journey creates an understanding that is fitting for the franchise.

A Quiet Place: Day One is full of scenes that make the audience feel stressed. The silence is presented in extreme ways which serve to heighten the suspense. Will Sam and Eric find a way out? What are the other factors they should consider? A Quiet Place: Day One brings moments of excitement that are unexpected with knockout surprises. This film is a thrill ride of shocks with meaning that lead to an unforgettable journey. While it is slow in some moments, overall it still shines. Three out of four stars for A Quiet Place: Day One.