Sound is such a big part of movies, which by many is an overlooked aspect of experiencing them. Ever since the introduction they have added a layer responsible for how you feel, enhancing it or setting the tone. A lot of time is spent on perfecting it. Just think of an animated movie. When you watch it, it is a breathing living and very real world. But just like the frames themselves, every sound needs to be created in order to make swoop audiences away, whether it’s an action scene in Incredibles 2 or an emotional scene in Your Name. In horror movies too it is used effectively, often making or breaking a scene. A jump scare wouldn’t work as well if it wasn’t accompanied by a loud sound after some silence. A Quiet Place is a horror film which uses sound in a different way…
A mysterious event has taken place and a family (played John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Cade Woodward) are forced to live in silence. They can’t talk, can’t make any noises and live in constant fear. There are monsters around which are attracted by sound and this family does the best they can in order to stay alive and possibly find a way to defeat them.
Although I don’t watch many horror movies myself, they usually aren’t very silent and it is refreshing to see the approach John Krasinski, who also directed, has taken here. Characters use sign language and any loud sound, even as you are watching it, immediately makes you pay attention (even if it’s just water flowing down a stream). The film does a lot with the concept and is extremely effective in setting the rules of this world and building up tension. Thanks to the small, but very good, cast you care for what happens and constantly root for them. A Quiet Place will keep you on the edge of your seat and even makes you behave as you really don’t want to make noises yourself, that’s how well this movie reals you in. Well worth watching and an amazing use of sound.
[score8]
Great review! I don’t watch a lot of horror movies either, mainly because I hate needless jump scares but I thought this was such a brilliant movie. Not sure how I feel about the announced sequel though…
Thanks Allie! Yeah, really enjoyed this one and actually watched it twice.
Hadn’t heard about the sequel. Not really looking forward to it…if it continues the story than I would expect an action movie where the whole world is fighting these monsters. A prequel might be interesting showing the event leading up to this movie. It should be something completely different though. Wouldn’t want to see what happens next with these characters
I absolutely love this movie. Rewatched it over the weekend with my family and was still struck with how connected I was to how it handles the themes of grief, guilt, and parenthood. So good.
Yeah, those teams are well integrated into its story. Happy to hear you enjoyed it so much as well Keith!