Lupita Nyong’o shines in the gripping thriller ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’.

In the bustling city of Chennai, Michael Sarnoski’s ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ opens with a striking disclaimer about the noise levels in New York, likening it to a constant scream at 90 decibels. This subtle warning serves as a poignant reflection on human noise pollution, laying a solid groundwork for the film’s narrative. Transitioning from the established post-apocalyptic world of silence in ‘A Quiet Place I and II,’ Sarnoski takes us back to the genesis of the silent terror. Samira, portrayed by the talented Lupita Nyong’o, finds herself in a hospice for the terminally ill, surrounded by fellow residents in the twilight of their lives.

Unaware of the impending chaos, Sam and her companions venture into the city for a puppet show, oblivious to the impending doom looming over Manhattan. Despite the military’s preparedness and the palpable tension in the air, no one anticipates the catastrophic events about to unfold. As the world grapples with the necessity of silence for survival, the movie masterfully conveys profound messages in a world devoid of sound. Through subtle visual cues like the rustling of footwear or the clatter of a trolley bag, the film highlights the tiniest sounds that could spell disaster in a silent world. Sam’s unwavering determination to satisfy a simple craving for pizza amidst chaos contrasts with Eric’s resilience as he navigates the waterlogged landscape in a fight for survival.

In just an hour and a half, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ immerses viewers in a world filled with striking imagery—helicopters wedged in buildings, flaming manholes, and crumbling bridges and structures. While the film stays true to its familiar storyline, it falls short in providing a complete picture of the unfolding events. Yet, it’s in the moments of silence that the movie truly resonates, hinting at a future brimming with potential adventures for the franchise to explore further.

Film: A Quiet Place: Day One

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff

Rating: 3/5