A Quiet Place Part II finally opens this weekend after a 14-month delay due to the pandemic, and it couldn’t come any sooner. You have a lot of options to spend your time and money with various movies, but here are five reasons to make time to see A Quiet Place Part II as soon as possible:
1. A Captivating, Familiar Story
Like a close friend you may not have seen in-person or unmasked in over a year, A Quiet Place Part II picks up where it left off. It provides more details, especially the initial invasion. Viewers are placed right into the moments where characters aren’t sure what will happen, but we did. I was drawn in that this was a relic from the pre-pandemic world, but the chaos of society losing control felt more urgent to me.
2. Impressive Krasinski Direction
John Krasinski is mostly absent from the screen, aside from an opening prologue set before everything started. He is behind it and has improved as a director. There were a few moments in the first movie that felt just a little messy. This is a more refined and tighter thriller. Various shots and a lavish production felt like a bigger movie, even scenes in the abandoned warehouse. I admired the editing of the climax, too. No wonder he toured the country. He was proud of what he accomplished. I’d like to see him work on a blockbuster with heart.
3. Efficient World Building
With much attention given to their farmhouse and walking in the woods during the first movie, A Quiet Place Part II expands the universe. We see the town before the invasion and the community gathering for a baseball game. The plot is more complex, introducing more characters who have been hiding out and isolated. I could tell that John thought about this idea organically and didn’t have room for it during the first movie. Placing it here helps. Without spoiling anything, the climax showing two different related places at once delivering exceptional tension!
4. A-List and Emerging Actors
There are some great performances in A Quiet Place Part II. Emily Blunt is terrific, reprising her SAG-winning role. She is the mother in survival mode, taking care of all three children who had different needs. Cillian Murphy was a welcomed addition to the cast with grit and emotional baggage. Millicent Simmonds had more to do in this time and has matured as an actress. She has vital scenes for the plot to move forward in unexpected places. I looked her up on IMDB, eager to see what she does next, and was disappointed. I hope she acts in more movies.
5. Exquisite Sound Design
Wow. The sound design alone was my favorite part of A Quiet Place Part II, and I saved that for last. The rattling of the Dolby Atmos sound design gave me chills beyond the onscreen thrills. It was loud and truly enhanced the experience! I missed the theater during my too long of a time away. It demands the theatrical experience. The sound design alone will make you glad you went back.
You’ll want to see A Quiet Place Part II in theaters this Memorial Day weekend.
