Written and directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place Part II is a 2021 sci-fi horror thriller, and is the follow-up to the hit 2018 film that excited both audiences and critics. Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, Millicent Simmonds, and Cillian Murphy.
Like many movies initially slated for a 2020 release A Quiet Place Part II was delayed several times due to the pandemic. It was eventually given a concrete release date and hit theaters on May 28th courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
THE GOOD
A Quiet Place Part II is a really, really good movie, end of story. Even if we ignore the fact that the gorgeous Emily Blunt who I just cannot get enough of is front and center once again, this is just A+ entertainment. I loved the first movie and felt that it somehow managed to find this niche place within the crowded “end of the world as we know it” type films. I would say these movies are probably most comparable to Will Smith’s I Am Legend in terms of overall setting and feel, but so much more exhilarating. Your eyes will be glued to the screen right from the opening scene, always worried that you might miss something. A Quiet Place Part II is one of those rare sequels that finds a way to seamlessly continue the story from the first film without sacrificing quality.
A Quiet Place Part II had some very intense moments to the point where I felt like I was holding my breath at times. I went to see the first movie in theaters on opening day, and I remember not even wanting to reach for my popcorn because I didn’t want to make a sound. It was a theater experience like no other, and all of that came flooding back with A Quiet Place Part II. The film opens with a flashback to when it all started which could not have been more perfect, and even though it has been quite some time since I watched the original, it made me feel like I just watched it. The way in which we are made to genuinely care about these characters is impressive especially considering the lack of overall personal backstory. You may not be able to relate to the circumstances they find themselves in, but the feeling of protecting your family at all costs is something that resonates with viewers.
Similar to the first film, A Quiet Place Part II utilizes the ability to mute all sound during certain moments as if to experience what is happening from the perspective of the oldest child Regan, who is deaf. This adds tremendous value to the film and makes these scenes that much more intense. That was one of my favorite elements of the first film, and I’m glad they stuck with it. The first movie had the “monsters” essentially hiding in the shadows for the majority of the film only showing themselves towards the end. With A Quiet Place Part II, they are much more visible and on the forefront of the action right from the beginning which is actually a really good thing. This allows for less of a need for buildup and instead shifts the focus towards the action.
The CGI was top-notch throughout delivering an enemy that is next-level terrifying, obliterating victims in a matter of seconds. Tons of credit to the technical crew because coming off corny can easily ruin a film like this, and that was never the case. I also thought the score played a pivotal role throughout ensuring viewers were never comfortable. Just a warning if you are a parent, A Quiet Place Part II will take years off your life. I mean let’s be honest, the idea of having to keep a baby from crying with the threat of instant death if you fail could be a horror movie on its own. But in all seriousness, the tension will somehow enter your body and won’t leave you until you are walking out of the theater. I know that sounds horrible, but I swear it’s a good thing.
The cast is nothing short of amazing. I am admittedly obsessed with Emily Blunt and have been for quite some time, she is just so great at taking on such a strong and commanding role leaving zero room to question her authenticity. She is the epitome of a badass mom, that’s for sure. Millicent Simmonds is incredible. The 18-year old Utah native has been deaf since she was a baby due to a medication overdose, and Krasinski bringing her on board for the first film was easily one of the best decisions he could have made. Not only is she that much more authentic in this role, her abilities as an actress are just inspiring. I look forward to more from her in the future. I am a huge Noah Jupe fan and can say without a doubt he will be one of the next great actors. I also really liked the addition of Cillian Murphy and felt like he did a really great job with his role.
THE BAD
I have thought long and hard about this and I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about A Quiet Place Part II. I mean, you always have that “was a sequel really necessary” thought in the back of your mind when you go and see a sequel to a movie that you really enjoyed, but in this case it was absolutely the right decision. It is the PERFECT continuation of the first film and almost feels like it was part 2 of a 2-part series. The ending is a bit abrupt and sort of a cliffhanger which might bother some people, but I had no issue with it. It is the perfect setup for a 3rd movie if they decide to make another one, and I think they will.
THE VERDICT
An edge-of-your-seat sci-fi horror thriller with a uniquely talented cast, John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place Part II is a rare must-see sequel that demands the theater experience. I hate to put myself in a box here but I think I actually liked this more than the original, crazy I know. I can’t stress this enough, you NEED to see this movie in the theater. Krasinski himself thanks you on-screen for coming to the theater prior to the start of the movie, and you will quickly realize that you made the right decision.
If you wait a few months for the VOD release you will only be hurting yourself. At just an hour and 37 minutes long, the movie flies by and is never boring. So what are you waiting for, get over to the theater and see A Quiet Place Part II as soon as you can - you’ll thank me later.
TED TAKES RATING - 9.5/10
A Quiet Place Part II is now playing only in theaters. Check out the trailer below.
Read our review for the original film, A Quiet Place, here.