Review: "A Quiet Place Part 2"

John Krasinski shocked the world when A Quiet Place first came out as he proved to be a skilled writer and director that created a memorable horror film. Most horror films that have come out as of late have been filled with jump scares and frankly forgettable, but not A Quiet Place. Considering the success, it is understandable to get a sequel and while it isn't as good as the first it still stands up as a solid film thanks in large part once again to the talent behind the camera. While the sequel doesn't boast the same intimate feeling that the original had, it is a bigger film in scope that deals with the after affects of living in a post apocalyptic world that is absent of hope. The sequel also succeeds in doing everything a sequel should do in that it continues the arc, while also expanding its universe and characters.

The plot picks up right where we were left off from the original after the Abbott family had stood strong against the mysterious creatures at their home. Regan Abbott (Millicent Simmonds) had discovered that by boosting her hearing aid on a microphone would weaken and disorient the creatures long enough for them to kill them. However, they also knew they no longer could stay in their makeshift home after making so much noise and decide to move elsewhere. The Abbott family now will face the deadly terrors of the outside world and quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats. On their path, they come across a familiar face in Emmett (Cillian Murphy), a friend before the creatures arrived.

The original Quiet Place had plenty of truly memorable moments that stick out, and the sequel has it's greatest moment arguably in the opening scene. It is loud, brash and a complete culture shock considering it is the complete opposite of it's film title. As seen in the trailers, it showcases how their small town was affected by the arrival of the creatures and it is truly terrifying and an incredibly scene. It also is a good starting point to help set itself apart from the original. Another difference would be that of the casting of Cillian Murphy as a pseudo replacement father figure to Regan and Marcus (Noah Jupe). Murphy in all of his performances but especially here is incredibly nuanced with an underlining ferocity that really differs from the reliable Krasniski. Murphy's Emmett also benefits from a truly heartbreaking arch that he does a masterful job of portraying with little to no words. It is an incredible performance that he is able to relay so many emotions and inform the audience on what happened to him with very few words.

It is also interesting to see that Emily Blunt and Cillian Murphy are cast as the two leads, but truly, Millicent Simmonds is the main lead. Simmonds' Regan is the main character that really drives forward the plot while Blunt and Noah Jupe's characters are rather minor in comparison surprisingly. By no means is that a criticism either as it all works well. The real praise again is going to fall to John Krasinski as he has masterfully crafted a terrific horror franchise now on the page and behind the camera. Unlike most horror films now, or films in general, they have a tendency to drag and so far neither Quiet Place 1 or the sequel have dragged on too long. He does a tremendous job behind the camera in the director's chair as well adding tension to every scene and it is remarkable how he has created such a tense movie going experience that truly forces his audience to stay just as quiet as his lead stars. While the film isn't as strong as it's predecessor, it does a phenomenal job expanding the world Krasinski had created and captivated audiences once again.