Film Review 1 - A Quiet Place
When you first start watching the film directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place, you may think the sound is not working in the theater. But, fret not, the sound is working just fine. Every sound in the movie is purposeful and chilling all at the same time. The silence speaks much louder than words in that it is of necessity. This chilling, artfully crafted horror movie follows the life of a family who is forced to live in silence because of creatures that are blind, but can hear even the slightest noise. From beginning to end, this ninety minute cinema invites you to experience every corner of human emotion. The oldest of the three children, Reagan Abbott, not only plays a deaf character -- she is deaf in real life. Her character plays a pivotal role in the plot of the story in that for most of the movie, we hear things as she hears things. Every noise made in this movie will leave you jumping out of your seat, but it is not just for the reason of being scary -- it is part of a much larger narrative. The deep love of the family and the casting of Millicent Simmonds makes this movie so much more than just another horror movie. It is a movie of the raw, real, sacrificial love that is within a family. Although the movie is not long, the viewer is left feeling as though they know the hearts and motives of each character -- and, that is simply to keep eachother safe and to look out for one another. The originality of the plot and the wonderful casting brings together a movie that is entirely worth seeing. The cinematography combines an element of eeriness and a feeling of home all at the same time. Despite the horror of reality that the family is facing, the setting displays a place the family still managed to make their “home.” John Krasinski, who stars as the father of the family, Lee Abbott, is the epitome of a father who will stop at nothing to protect his family. He does so in a way that makes you feel attached to his character from the beginning. Emily Blunt plays the mother, Evelyn Abbott. She magnificently portrays the unimaginable strength it takes to be a mother. In the movie, she says to Lee, “Who are we if we can’t protect them [their children]? We have to protect them. Promise me.” And, that is the essence of that movie. All of the “fear factors” of the film point back to the innate desire for these parents to shield their children from pain as best as they can. That is what makes this movie even more chilling than a regular horror movie. Along with the wonderful writing and delivery of the lines from the actors, the cinematography contributes further to the complexities of the film. The camera angles and the camera movement invite the viewer into feeling as though they themselves are in the midst of the chaotic earth that this movie is set in. Overall, A Quiet Place brings about elements in a horror movie that is like no other. It shows that silence can speak louder than any words or dialogue.
The use of no sound paid off in this film and your review shows this. The standard 'horror' film has shifted with a film like this one. The actors were well cast and shined throughout. John Krasinski shows he is capable of bigger things beyond his small roles in the past.
ReplyDeleteNo credit block. Review is one long paragraph, making it difficult to read -- and difficult for you to develop a coherent thesis.
ReplyDeleteI really loved this film, and this review explains all of the reasons why. The sound, or lack of, along with the performances by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt created such a unique and amazing experience. I also like how you mentioned the cinematography because a lot of people only focus on the use of sound when they discuss this film.
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