A Quiet Place Part 2 pulls off a difficult task by surpassing the original film and becoming one of the best sequels in cinematic history. In an attempt to expand this unfamiliar world, the film increases the intensity, focuses more on character building, and morphs into a heart-pounding experience from start to finish. Coming at a time where the world is looking for a symbol of hope, A Quiet Place Part 2 restores faith in sequels that can rival the initial outing.
Survival is pushed to a new level in this film, as it begins on the first day these unidentified creatures arrived on earth. After filling in some gaps for audiences, we’re thrown back into the lives of the remaining members of the Abbott family. The creatures have forced them out of their home to seek anything that resembles safety. Despite previous uncertainty, John Krasinski returns to write and direct A Quiet Place Part 2, which was a smart decision on his part. The film stars Millicent Simmonds, Emily Blunt, Djimon Hounsou, Noah Jupe, Cillian Murphy, and John Krasinski, returning via flashbacks. A Quiet Place Part 2 follows Evelyn (Blunt), Regan (Simmonds), Marcus, and Evelyn’s newborn venturing out into a world they aren’t prepared to face. The creatures aren’t the only threats, but after coming in contact with Emmett (Murphy), an old friend of the family, Regan decides she is going to take a stand against these creatures.
Krasinski’s return as Lee Abbott is a minor one, but he is felt throughout the film thanks to his daughter, Regan. Krasinki’s focus on Regan and her journey to share her discovery of high-frequency sounds posing a threat to the creatures with the world is the heart of this film. She spent most of the last film blaming herself for what happened to her brother, and all hope seemed lost to her. A Quiet Place Part 2 allows Regan to forgive herself, protect her family, become confident like her father, and she is determined to assist countless people in battling these creatures. Krasinski’s writing this time around is about developing these characters, creating more nerve-racking predicaments for them to escape, world expansion, and introducing the idea of other threats besides the creatures themselves.
These human threats are never fully understood once they make an appearance, but perhaps more will come in the future. The introduction of Emmett is rather dull, as many did expect this character to fill in Krasinski’s shoes, but that responsibility fell on Regan instead. Emmett is a friend of the family, who was present during the creature’s first attack, and it’s implied he was one of the others communicating to Lee in the last film. He has lost his family, just like Evelyn, who insists on him protecting Regan. Jumpscares and abrupt endings aside, Krasinski’s script plays out like a Steven Spielberg film from start to finish, and while not as emotional as its predecessor, A Quiet Place Part 2 amplifies every aspect of the first film in tremendous fashion.
Blunt shines as Evelyn Abbott, the only surviving parent for her three children, who are terrified for the most part. The moments between Marcus and Evelyn are comforting to watch, as she helps her son maintain his composure after he suffers an unexpected accident early on in the film. A rather exaggerated depiction of just how difficult a mother’s job can be, and Blunt plays the role to perfection. Lee’s death seems to have lead to Marcus feeling helpless, but he and his sister find their strength to stand tall together. Jupe’s performance will make you feel every ounce of pain his character endures throughout this film, but you will also feel his confidence as well once he finds it. As mentioned above, Simmonds steals the show as Regan Abbott, the courageous daughter who will not let her father’s death be for nothing. Simmonds is the sense of hope viewers will want to latch on to while she navigates this highly dangerous world.
Murphy is a great addition, despite his character being underwhelming, he delivers a terrific performance as this heartbroken family man. Krasinski refuses to let audiences breathe during A Quiet Place Part 2, as there is not a single moment where you will not pay attention to every last movement these characters make. The intensity in this film is overwhelming at times but makes for an exciting theater experience still. Moments in the film showcase events happening simultaneously and Krasinski captures it all so well, the transitions are breathtaking to watch. Marco Beltrami’s score blares in all its glory, only adding to the nonstop dread that lingers throughout the film. Krasinski makes sure to keep the emotions high during each act of this film.
A Quiet Place Part 2 leaves the door open to venture out further into this world. Blunt has revealed this is only the first sequel in a planned trilogy, so perhaps the next outing will answer many important questions. Krasinski’s monster-filled world raised the stakes in all the best ways, and it’s clear he enjoys using the horror genre to tell compelling stories. A Quiet Place Part 2 is the movie theaters were created for, and it was worth the wait.
