A Quiet Place Part II (2020) – Film Review

Director: John Krasinski

Cast: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy

Review Author: Tony

https://youtube.com/watch?v=BpdDN9d9Jio%3Fsi%3DwMJvPt9bAgo3WyBY

Synopsis: With their home destroyed, The Abbot family must venture out into a post-apocalyptic America to seek a safe and soundproof shelter from the Sound Sensitive creatures hunting down the human survivors.

Releasing back in 2018, “A Quiet Place” was somewhat of a sleeper hit which caught audiences and critics off guard with its unnerving concept, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere, and surprisingly superb writing. It was a fine example of PG-13 horror being just as effective in producing scares and an atmosphere of dread as any R rated horror film might. Sporting a killer concept, wonderful cast and a reemerged fear of loose nails that I’d not felt since Home Alone, “A Quiet Place” is one of my favourite horror films of the last decade. Who would have thought Jim from The Office could deliver such a quality horror film? The instant success of the first film meant a sequel was quickly greenlit before the first film had even finished its release run in cinemas.

“A Quiet Place Part Two” wastes no time, picking up the narrative immediately from the conclusion of its predecessor. The surviving members of the Abbott family, led by the formidable Evelyn (Emily Blunt), must navigate the treacherous landscape of a world overrun by sound-sensitive creatures. Forced to seek new shelter, they venture into the unknown, their very survival dependent on maintaining a deafening silence.

From a visual perspective, the film is a testament to its director, John Krasinski. The world crafted in “A Quiet Place Part Two” mirrors the tense, desolate beauty of the first. The cinematography captures the quiet horror of the post-apocalyptic setting, and the scares, though familiar, retain their potency. Krasinski skillfully employs silence and sound to create moments that linger, drawing the audience into the characters’ desperate struggle for survival.

However, the film walks a precarious line between delivering a worthy sequel and succumbing to the pitfalls of repetition. While the tension and nail-biting moments are still present, a sense of déjà vu permeates the narrative. The film, in essence, feels like more of the same, playing it safe within the established formula of its predecessor. For a sequel to truly stand out, innovation and evolution are key, and in this aspect, “A Quiet Place Part Two” falls short.

One promising avenue the film briefly explores is the greater decay of civilization from a human perspective. The sequel hints at the struggles of surviving communities, the thin veneer of humanity eroding in the face of desperation. Unfortunately, this concept remains largely unexplored, reduced to a mere background element. With the exception of one scene that touches on the fragility of societal norms, the film fails to delve into the potential richness of this theme. It’s a missed opportunity to add depth to the narrative and elevate the sequel beyond a mere extension of the original.

A notable addition to the cast is Cillian Murphy, whose character serves as a link to the past for the Abbott family. Murphy’s performance adds a layer of complexity to the film, and his presence injects fresh energy into the storyline. The dynamic between Murphy and Blunt is a highlight, providing an emotional anchor amidst the chaos.

“A Quiet Place Part Two” manages to retain the tension and intrigue that made its predecessor a success. The visuals are captivating, the scares are effective, and the performances, especially from Emily Blunt and Cillian Murphy, are commendable. However, the film falters in its reluctance to break new ground. It echoes the strengths of the first film without significantly building upon them, resulting in an enjoyable yet flawed sequel. The whispers of tension linger, but the echo of innovation remains faint.

Rating:

Poorly placed Bear Traps