Thoroughly entertaining spine-tingler.

Rating: 8/10 (7 April 2018)

There is a lot of garbage produced within the horror genre, for decades it has been the dumping ground for cheap, poorly made cash-ins. Every now and then, however, a genuinely great film shines through the masses to prove horror can be awesome. Setting the tone early with an intelligent and intriguing opening sequence that quickly establishes the threats of this world, the movie follows the Abbott family as they live in silence to avoid sharp-eared otherworldly predators. Entering the story long after the Abbott family has become accustomed to their situation, this high concept is given authenticity through pragmatism, the lack of dialogue (and explanation) necessitating storytelling through actions. It's a relatively simple premise, yet in the hands of director John Krasinski (also portraying the father, Lee) it is utilised to generate some incredible tension. Calling the shots for only his second feature, Krasinski's direction is both assured and crafty. His confidence in building and sustaining suspense without rushing to the next scene credits his audience with maturity and patience. A sequence in which mother Evelyn (Emily Blunt, always brilliant) must survive a house intrusion from the terrifying creatures, whilst in labour, alone, injured, and without making a sound, is enthrallingly nerve shredding. There's obviously an importance placed on the sound design and score here (the daughter's deafness adding an extra layer of complexity / scare opportunity), and Krasinski is judicious in his employment of both in order to raise the stakes at exactly the right time. There are a few unnecessary jump scares and a hugely questionable first-act plot point, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise clever and thoroughly entertaining spine-tingler. With A Quiet Place Krasinski has well and truly announced his arrival as a filmmaker to watch with baited breath.