How Did the Prequel to the Well-Known Horror Series Turn Out?
A dying woman, a terrified British gentleman, and the quietest cat in the world wander through a ravaged New York City, where gigantic bloodthirsty monsters from another planet lurk around every corner. Unfamiliar with this scenario?
It’s the highly anticipated prequel to the renowned horror series “A Quiet Place,” subtitled “Day One.” It’s now showing in Slovak cinemas, and if you have no plans for the weekend, you should definitely check out the nearest screening. The original installment, penned and directed by John Krasinski, who also starred in it, was released in 2018. A solid, though somewhat inferior sequel about aliens who are blind but have an acute sense of hearing followed two years later.
In the latest installment, we travel back to the fateful day when the invaders arrived on Earth, plunging it into absolute chaos. This time, Krasinski has handed over the director’s chair to Michael Sarnoski (known for the drama “Pig” starring Nicolas Cage). The protagonist of this new chapter is the gravely ill Samira, played by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o (known from “12 Years a Slave” and the gripping horror “Us”). Dying of cancer, she has resigned herself to her fate. Her only companions are her cynicism, which she spreads liberally, and a nameless, affectionate four-legged cat.
Despite her acceptance of impending death, the moment she first gazes into the jaws of a giant monster, she realizes she wants to live and refuses to be torn apart. At least not until she’s had her favorite pizza from her beloved Harlem spot.
Joining the “lone wolf” is another survivor, the timid Brit Eric (Joseph Quinn, whom you might remember as the long-haired metalhead Eddie from “Stranger Things”). Though Samira initially pushes him away, preferring solitude and not wanting anyone to depend on, she eventually realizes they can help each other. After all, no one wants to die alone.
If you’re worried that the cast features relatively unknown faces rather than the stars of the first two films like Krasinski, Emily Blunt, or Cillian Murphy, there’s no need for concern. This is actually an advantage. The central duo perfectly complements the intimate atmosphere and “artistic” feel of the film. Don’t expect a blockbuster with relentless rapid cuts and nonstop action that leaves you breathless.
Sarnoski gradually breathes life into the characters, allowing them to take a breather and savor (possibly their last) moments. As a result, his latest film sometimes feels more like an emotional drama about humanity than a terrifying horror filled with jump scares. But fear not. There are still several action scenes, and some will undoubtedly stick in your memory.
On the other hand, within the realm of post-apocalyptic films, “Day One” is not as innovative and original as one might hope. Much of what’s shown has been seen elsewhere, often done better. Emotionally, the film doesn’t hit as hard as the previous two installments (it could use less pathos and more “cool” scenes).
Despite this, it remains an above-average experience worthy of your attention, primarily due to its sincere direction. You can feel that Sarnoski isn’t putting on a façade and is honing his own style. Once he perfects it, his works might leave us in awe. For now, it’s a solid seven out of ten.
