Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Lupita Nyong’o gives a formidable performance in this deeply moving Sci-Fi Horror about human connection and mortality.
The beloved franchise that John Krasinski created is in safe hands under a new Writer-Director. What made The A Quiet Place films stand out was the intimate story of family, sacrifice, and connection within a big concept world about the possible end of humanity. Micheal Sarnoski who worked with Krasinski on the story development for Day One, has kept the heart of humanity at the forefront.
We first meet Samira (Nyong’o) at a hospice on the outskirts of New York City. She’s living with terminal cancer and her firecracker personality has equipped her with an infectious dark sense of humour. It’s impossible not to love her and want her to survive. Sarnoski opens Day One with a bang. On a trip to the City with her fellow hospice residents — her only wish is getting a real pizza slice — aliens invade Earth. This invasion is as much an assault to the senses for the audience as it is Samira who falls unconscious. It’s a horrifying entry into this world that we have only ever been shown the aftereffects of.
When Samira wakes up she’s inside a theatre with a group of people who warn her not to make a sound. The difference between the prior entries in the franchise and Day One is that we’re following a woman who’s already facing her death. She doesn’t fear it anymore, she’s accepted it. However, before she meets her end she wants to get that slice of pizza she was promised. Yes, this is funny. But it’s also where the heart of the story lies.
This sets her out on a journey to Harlem to get a slice she loved eating with her late father. This intimate storyline becomes profoundly moving as the minutes go by. It reminds us of the little joys we have in life. It reminds us of family. It reminds us of human connection. It’s a small want that has a huge emotional impact. This is aided by Nyong’o’s committed performance. Her expressive eyes tell a myriad of stories going on within Samira’s mind. It’s truly one of the finest performances of the year.
Along her journey, she’s joined by two companions. One is her service cat Frodo (dual cat-actors Schnitzel and Niko are scene-stealers) and a stranger named Eric (Joseph Quinn) who won’t stop following her. Samira and Frodo have a strong bond as he’s her only companion near the end of her life. She will do anything to protect him. It’s a beautiful addition to this story about mortality and connection. When Eric gets introduced the themes get examined further. With no health issues and currently studying law at University, he could have a long future ahead of him. He should be running for safety but he chooses to be with Samira and get that slice of pizza. Quinn is captivating as an anxiety-riddled man wondering if he’ll have a future to live.
For Sci-Fi Horror fans, don’t fret. Saronski has included tense and frightening moments within this touching tale. There are scenes with suspense that builds and builds until it hits a breaking point. Audiences will be on the edge of their seats. And the aliens are fully seen. The Visual Effects are outstanding as we see them climb buildings, smash windows, jump on cars, and rip people apart.
Paramount Pictures Canada release A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE on Friday, June 28, 2024.
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