A Quiet Place Part II Movie Review

 

The first A Quiet Place that released in 2018 was certainly an unexpected surprise. It took me by storm not only because of its original concept, but the fact that it was also director John Krasinski's (who of course also starred in the lead role) first venture into the horror world. The final product ultimately resulted in one of the more creative and thrilling horror films of the past ten years, I loved pretty much everything about it. Now in regards to this new sequel, I was a little skeptical at first because the first already is a perfect standalone and also the track record for horror sequels to put it generously has never exactly been very encouraging. However, the trailers for this one have been outstanding, so my excitement level for this one has certainly been very high, so I was one of many disappointed people when this sequel was one of the first films pulled from its original release date last year (March 20th, 2020) all thanks to the Covid pandemic of course. One year later, does this sequel prove to be well worth the extended wait? ABSOUSTLEY, it brings me so much joy to say this is such a worthy sequel that in at least many ways exceeds its original.

This is a rare horror sequel that not only matches the sense of dreaded terror and intensity of the first, but also further builds upon the world building and character work it already set up making it I think an even deeper film in the process. The first ten minutes of this film in particular are absolutely stunning, and had me feeling as unnerved as any film in recent memory has. It wonderfully adds some more world building that the first film only scratched the surface of, while also being genuinely very unsettling. That's not a knock on the rest of the film though, because the tension remains absolutely palpable and never once lets up. It's a scarier and even more intense sequel. The way the first film used the sound design is one of the many elements that made it such a distinctive horror film, and that very special element is only amplified with this sequel. The minimal use of spoken dialogue only adding to the film's suspense, which ultimately makes those more quiet moments the most terrifying scenes the film has to offer. I know it's very early in the year still, but once next awards season roll around, this should be a no brainer for some technical nominations. It's such an immersive experience and one that absolutely demands to be seen on the big screen. John Krasinski is proving to be a very unique voice for the horror genre. 

The praise most certainly doesn't stop with those impressive technical achievements though, as every single cast member here is nothing short of magnificent. Emily Blunt by no surprise delivers more wonderful work as the devoted mother, Evelyn, bringing the intensity the role requires, but also the heart. Every bit as impressive are Noah Jupe and especially Millicent Simmonds as her two children. Simmonds in particular is required to carry a lot of the film's big moments on her shoulders and she does so to such impressive effect. It's a pretty devastating, but yet heroic performance that will certainly garner some big reactions from the audience. The chemistry between these three once again feels so natural and gives the film unexpected heart with the family dynamic. Cillian Murphy has always been one of my favorite underrated character actors around, and as the new addition to the cast, he just about steals the entire show. I loved what they ultimately do with his new character, which offers us a different point of view for this world, and I especially found myself moved by the little side plot he shares with Simmonds. I do wish the great Djimon Hounsou was given a little more to do here, but he's always worth watching regardless.

As for any real criticisms, I'm honestly struggling to come up with many. I will say I did not necessarily love the very last scene of the film, and I think that's because it ends on a pretty abrupt note that felt specifically made just to set up the next chapter. It's not an unsatisfying ending by any means at all, but with this film clocking in at such a brisk pace (barely 90 minutes long), I would've gladly spent at least a few more minutes with this film. That's all I honestly got as far as the flaws goes. Maybe the film doesn't necessarily feel as inventive as the first, but it is a sequel after all so that basically goes without saying. 

Overall though, A Quiet Place Part II is quite a stunning sequel that not only fulfills the promises of the first film, but also certainly improves with many aspects as well. It's every bit as bone chilling, immersive, and even more profound than what came before. If you're a fan of the first film, it's hard to imagine you not being wholly satisfied with this follow up story. I know many are still understandably uncomfortable about making a trip to the theaters, but if you're personally not, this is an absolute must see on the biggest screen possible to really get a truly immersive experience and to see this with the biggest crowd possible. I hope it makes all the money it can and Krasinski can make the next chapter to close out a nice little trilogy. It's a great sequel, one that most certainly deserves a spot as one of the greatest horror sequels ever made. It's certainly far and away one of the very best films I've seen in 2021, I so can't wait to see it again.

Final Rating: A-