A Quiet Place both silences and deafens you.

Rating: 7/10 (5 April 2018)

Like 'Lights Out', it's another horror thriller that chooses one sensory organ and manipulates it to create an original captivating concept. For reasons unbeknown to us, the world has been invaded by predators that utilise sound waves to hunt their prey. A rural family use both their intelligence and fearlessness as they attempt to survive the hostile environment. Modern monster flicks seem to consist of colossal creatures causing chaos in catastrophic calamities (try saying that when drunk...), so it's incredibly refreshing to see a minimised version that focuses on tension as opposed to obstreperous dullness. Extraterrestrials roaming the countryside listening out to the slightest of buzzes, before rampaging across the corn fields and demolishing the source. Grotesque yet creatively designed creatures that are shrouded in an ominous veil. A horror debut for John Krasinski, he embedded a sense of deftness which enhanced the cinematic quality. Extremely slow movements during the non-verbal scenes (which is practically the whole film) to then suddenly speed up as your heart starts pounding. Krasinski and Blunt's real-life chemistry was replicated here, as two endearing parents who have experienced both love and loss during this external torment. The characterisation was adequate throughout given that the actors exhumed emotion through facial expressions and sign language. Sound editing was phenomenal, especially if a noisy object like a toy rocket is activated. Fear is endured...then silence. So effective! However, I struggled with certain aspects. The narrative just couldn't maintain momentum after the exhausting first half, which only leads to a satisfactory conclusion. Various character choices were unquestionably idiotic. Getting pregnant? In this horrific situation? Stupid. There are others to which I just rolled my eyes, and unfortunately detracted from the sensory auditory viewing. Overall, a promising genre debut for Krasinski who has crafted a thriller that invades the senses, leaving you fatigued by the end. Just don't overthink it...