A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

When hospice resident Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) takes a day trip to New York City with other patients, she finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. The aliens track humans though sound and stalk the city from end to end, killing wantonly. This prequel to the two ‘Quiet Place’ movies shows the arrival of the aliens via fireballs but fails to explain where they originate from or their motivations in attacking Earth. It’s overly sentimental at times and depicts a swift but shallow connection between Sam and fellow survivor Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. I found it hard to connect to both main characters as neither was overly likeable. Although the visual effects are impressive and sound is used effectively to heighten the tension, the horror elements are more suggestive than explicit. Nyong’o gives a convincing performance as Sam, maintaining a heightened state of fear throughout. Plus there’s a pretty cute cat called Frodo who seems to have nine lives. It falls short compared to the other films but remains entertaining.