The original A Quiet Place premiered in 2018, and while it initially escaped my attention, the trailer for A Quiet Place Part II piqued my interest in the film series. This prompted me to watch the first installment with little prior knowledge – and I found myself completely captivated. The premise, centered around creatures with acute hearing and the necessity for absolute silence, is both simple and remarkably effective. The presence of the consistently compelling Emily Blunt in the lead role certainly adds to the film’s appeal. The subsequent pandemic delayed the release of A Quiet Place Part II, along with numerous other productions.
After briefly depicting the initial day of the invasion, the narrative resumes directly after the events of the first film. This time, the focus shifts to the daughter, Regan (Millicent Simmonds), who hypothesizes that other survivors may exist on a nearby island. Accompanied by Emmett (Cillian Murphy), another survivor, she embarks on what can only be described as a perilous journey. Simultaneously, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and Marcus (Noah Jupe) struggle to survive against overwhelming odds.
The first film concludes somewhat abruptly, leaving a clear opening for a continuation. While director and screenwriter John Krasinski (also an actor and Emily Blunt’s husband) was initially hesitant, he eventually agreed to pen a sequel. In A Quiet Place Part II, the narrative emphasis shifts from the adult characters to the children within the Abbott family, particularly Regan, portrayed by the talented deaf actress Millicent Simmonds. Simmonds, who impressed in her debut role in Wonderstruck, further showcases her acting prowess in this film. Her scenes with Cillian Murphy are particularly compelling. I have consistently admired Murphy’s work since his appearance in the exceptional 28 Dagar Senare (28 Days Later), and he remains a captivating performer regardless of the overall quality of the production.
Photo: ©Universal / SF Studios
Emily Blunt delivers a nuanced performance, and despite her reduced screen time, she remains a captivating presence. My only minor reservation concerns the character of Marcus, portrayed by Noah Jupe. This is likely due to the character’s writing rather than Jupe’s performance, but certain aspects of the character are somewhat distracting.
The action sequences are stylishly executed, and the decision to utilize practical effects (with the exception of the creatures themselves) proves to be a wise choice. This approach lends weight and realism to the action, allowing the viewer to experience the heightened tension. One particularly well-executed sequence, also featured in the trailer, involves the camera remaining inside a car during an encounter with a runaway bus.
The primary criticism of A Quiet Place Part II lies in its reliance on a somewhat implausible plot device. The method by which the Abbott family learns to combat the creatures in the first film seems relatively straightforward, raising questions about why military forces would not have discovered this weakness sooner. Furthermore, the discovery of another significant alien vulnerability near the film’s conclusion also strains credibility. While I will refrain from revealing this detail, its implementation feels somewhat contrived.
The UHD edition boasts exceptional audio and visual quality, making it a reference-grade release. The film incorporates numerous dimly lit scenes illuminated by candlelight, which are rendered with remarkable clarity. The contrast between dark and light areas is consistently sharp, with no discernible bleeding. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is equally impressive. Given the film’s thematic emphasis on silence and the deadly consequences of even minor sounds, the Atmos track’s ability to accentuate every nuance in the soundscape is a significant asset. When the action escalates, the sound design delivers a powerful and immersive experience. The bonus material includes a series of concise yet informative documentaries that provide insights into the creation of specific sequences.
In conclusion, A Quiet Place Part II is a thrilling and adrenaline-charged sequel that benefits from an outstanding UHD presentation. Therefore, it earns a well-deserved recommendation as a must-have addition to any collection.
