Science Fiction Horror uses Sound as Clever Device

Rating: 7/10 (9 January 2019)

I approached this movie knowing almost absolutely nothing about it, except that it was popular and that director John Krasinski did some good work for a relative newcomer. My preconception about a horror movie with the title "A Quiet Place", maybe had something to do with an evil guy who is blind? What I didn't know was this was a Science Fiction horror film. Aliens on Earth. Cut to the chase, the film starts with most of the population already obliterated by very fast and very hungry creatures about twice the size of humans. They can't see but they have ears that can hear very long distances.
The device of having nobody make any noise is presented as a nice twist to horror films out there. There is some appreciation to the steps taken by this surviving family. Everyone is always barefoot, sand is laid out in trails to other locations. It was a pleasure as always to watch actress Emily Blunt, playing the pregnant mother. The older daughter is also well written, going through adolescence in the middle of what is basically a war zone. More interesting and more inventive than "Signs" or "The Happening", just to name a few "War of the Worlds" style of alien invasion movies. I was fascinated by the premise and how well the movie used sound to add tension. The family has different methods of suppressing sound or making sound when it is to their advantage. They live in a world where light and general visibility aren't a disadvantage. So many good moments, where an unexpected sound is like a Air Raid siren, causing panic and running. But also a solid third act where the family is separated and have their own demons to face (so to speak).
Solid direction from Krasinski gets great performances from Blunt and Millicent Simmons as the deaf older daughter. He also expertly stages some fight scenes that can get your adrenaline going. Also deserving proper credit are the special creature effects. These creatures, although man-like in stature, have very disturbing looking heads without eyes. All in all, a snappy piece of Science Fiction horror that fans of Alien will approve. Characters sometimes will make dumb moves, but the script has put proper motivation behind why. For certain, audiences must try to put away Krasinski's "Jim" character from the office. He is not a nerdy practical joker, and portrays himself as normal loving father. Emily Blunt emotes well enough, though the entire cast communicates through sign language (also a win for Hollywood including people with disabilities in a major release).
I give this a 7, with high hopes for more good direction from Krasinski.