Review of A Quiet Place (2016) by Teddy F — 09 May 2018

Some of the tensest moments in cinema are scenes in which characters have to stay quiet so the monster doesn't find them; now imagine stretching that moment over an entire film...that is what A Quiet Place (AQP) is and it's pretty damn smart.

Most people go to horror movies to be scared or to be on the edge of their seat, and AQP understands this, essentially jumping right into that and only letting up on the gas for short periods mainly in the early parts of the movie.

Characters find safety for only a couple seconds before being thrust back into distress. AQP does not bother with tedious exposition, attempting to explain the origin of these monsters that hate noise, but instead serves up constant dread and executes tense moments excellently.

Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and the child actors were all tremendous. They all were believable as a family. Blunt, in particular, is put into some pretty dreadful situations and her performance flourishes in these moments.

AQP is a condensed, simple premise, but what makes it notable is how well it is executed. Krasinki's direction is exceptional, the pacing and runtime is where it needs to be, and the ending sets the sequel up well.

AQP is a smartly made horror movie through and through.