This sequel was released in theaters on May 28 in time for Memorial Day weekend and it might be the film of the summer to nudge the floodgates of audiences open again.
A Quiet Place Part II picks up immediately where the first film ends with the nuclear family, led by a determined Emily Blunt (Mary Poppins Returns, 2018), forced to leave their farmhouse venturing barefoot into an unknown world meeting other people who are dangerous or begrudgingly helpful. Other film critics have written their reviews of this film saying things like, "nerve-shredding," "inspired," and "an astonishing sequel." I don't think I would go that far. But A Quiet Place Part II still captures the thrilling intensity of the first film from 2018, and even more importantly, it manages to maintain the intensity and suspense from beginning to end.
It's patience, simplicity, and momentum are so focused and so delicate that it feels nothing like a tired idea being recycled (which is often an issue seen in sequels). The ending is far too corny in the name of triumph, but most of the cast does a beautiful job because they don't try too hard (something rarely seen in the acting of horror films). Like the first film, A Quiet Place Part II remains scary because it only focuses on the emotions and relationships of a family trying to survive. Very little time is devoted to any science-fiction or violent elements, which makes the film feel more relatable, more realistic, and more exciting. The harmonized editing, showing separate journeys unfolding simultaneously, is a brilliant way to build the tension and magnify your intrigue. Adding a rusty bear trap, an exploding oxygen tank, and a slashed speedboat only throws more moments of fright into viewers’ faces.
Eighteen-year-old deaf actress Millicent Simmonds (Wonderstruck, 2017), who was born in Bountiful, Utah, is a bright shining star in this film combining vulnerability and courage beautifully. Hopefully, the PG-13 rating will be inviting enough for Utah teenagers to check this out, endure the stressful silences, and flinch at the successful jump scares. Horror films can still be fun.
