If there are movies that are better experienced in theaters, A Quiet Place – Part II is definitely among them, together with its predecessor. I was lucky enough to attend the New York premiere on March 8th, 2020, just days before the shutdown due to the pandemic, and I’m grateful I did. Just like the original movie, the fear the audience feels collectively is enhanced by the absolute silence both on screen and off.
Picking up right where A Quiet Place (2018) ended, we see Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) running away with her three children, including the newborn whose birth we witnessed in the previous movie. The Abbott family used to think they were the only ones left, but they run into Emmett (Cillian Murphy), a skeptical and mysterious man who also suffered losses in his life.
With Lee Abbott (John Krasinski) showing up just in a quick flashback sequence, the other characters get more screen time this time around and Regan (Millicent Simmonds) becomes the central focus of the plot.
John Krasinski, who directed both movies, uses the same tricks here to leave the audiences on the edge of their seats: the sound itself – or the lack of it. Marco Beltrami is also back with a score that adds to the tension of the story.
Since it’s very hard to talk about the plot without spoiling it, I’ll just say that, if you liked the first film, you’ll probably enjoy (and fear) this one too! If you can see it safely in theaters, I would definitely recommend it. If not, it should also be an enjoyable movie to watch at home!
