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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
Before I get into this review, I think it needs to be known that with “the theatre experience” coming back and theatres across the country slowly re-opening, please be courteous to all in the theatre. I could say much more but I’d rather get into the review and forget my unfortunate experience while watching this one.
A Quiet Place Part II is exceptionally written and directed by John Krasinski. He also reprises his role as Lee Abbott for the opening sequence of the film. Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, and Millicent Simmonds all reprise their respective roles as members of the Abbott family. This time, Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, and Scoot McNairy are also joining the cast. The plot of the story continues immediately after the first film. While it’s hard to not notice, the opening sequence transitions extremely well into the central conflict the film presents. We also see much more of the creatures this time around, which was nice.
As always, minor spoilers to follow.
Discussion
There is a lot to unpack here. While a spoiler review is definitely warranted, I will just say that I probably missed a few key moments.
Now, we all love a horror movie with good writing (2018’s Halloween being the last I remember) and Krasinski hits the nail perfectly on the head here. I would say probably five to ten percent of the opening sequence is to be found in the trailers. Therefore, we don’t really get that much more of Krasinski’s Lee. He is only featured in the film’s opening flashback sequence, which shows us how the invasion of the creatures began, as the sequence is “Day 1” of the conflict. There isn’t necessarily much to unpack about the story without spoiling most of it. Plus if you have seen the first film, you can follow Part II‘s story easily anyway.
Character Development
The character development is perhaps the best I’ve ever seen in a horror film, let alone a sequel to one. Jupe, Simmonds, and Murphy are the film’s best parts. The former two have terrific scenes as the film wraps up; you will know it when you see it. Blunt once again shines, and the chemistry between these three characters is much better here than in the first film.
Murphy plays Emmett, a close friend of Lee, and he gives perhaps the best performance I’ve seen from him since Inception (2010). Emmett forms a great bond with Regan and their chemistry is stellar. I didn’t particularly like Regan in the first one. Although, as I mentioned, her character development from that film to this one is extraordinary, along with Marcus’ as well. In fact, the last scene with him is probably my favorite.
Hounsou replaced Brian Tyree Henry, who left due to scheduling conflicts, and is welcoming when his character comes into the story. However, he ends up getting killed while helping Emmett and Regan. McNairy has an even smaller role with his one “line” being a scream upon getting killed. Although, his character was menacing for the few minutes of screen time he has.
Other Cinematic Aspects
The cinematography is intense to view, but not in a bad way, either. There is just so much going on during some shots. With that said, unfortunately, with being in a theatre, one can’t pause and then rewind. However, this is my second post-pandemic movie viewing in a theatre, so we’re getting somewhere. Other than that, the film has amazing cinematography and the framing from scene to scene is seriously appreciated.
The sound design is perfect; it flows so nicely, and I never found myself questioning the mixing or editing at any point of the film. There is one scene where the sound design changes literally from, I believe, three characters in a course of about thirty to forty-five seconds. It’s a bit hard to notice the switch if you aren’t aware of it, which is what makes it so great. Hopefully, Christopher Nolan watches Part II and takes some notes.
Final Thoughts
On a final note, the story does well at keeping viewers entertained and keeps pace from scene to scene. The cinematography is exceptional, paired with fantastic sound design, and the cast deserves all the praise they’re getting. As of writing this, Part II has racked in about five million so far for Paramount and is expected to potentially hit close to $75 million through Monday.
I also want to point out that upon the title appearing on screen, Part II is the last to fade. This could be a hint at a possible third part to the story. Now, I don’t exactly know if this next bit was just for my location or if it’s in every screening, but before the film begins Krasinski appears on screen and essentially thanks the populace for going to the movies. It’s nothing significant, but it’s a nice anecdote for the film and theatres in general. Go watch this movie. It deserves to be seen on the big screen and was well worth the wait, even if it was delayed several times.
5/5 stars.
A Quiet Place Part II is now playing in theatres nationwide and forty-five days later will stream on Paramount+. Have you seen the film yet or are you waiting forty-five days? If the latter is your case, mind what you read. As always, stay right here at The Cinema Spot for more film and TV reviews!
Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
