by Josh Bate for @horrornecronom
John Krasinski’s feature directorial debut took audiences by storm, so much so it made many hesitant regarding whether a follow-up could ever live up to the first. Thankfully, A Quiet Place Part II does not disappoint whatsoever and is among the best horror sequels of all time.
A Quiet Place Part II picks up immediately after the events of the first film, following the Abbott family as they navigate the aftermath of the destruction of their home and the death of their father/husband. At a brisk 97 minutes, the film replicates the nail-biting tension and pace of its predecessor in superb fashion. Every scene is masterfully crafted by director Krasinski – rarely does a moment last too long or end too abruptly. This is partly a testament to the brilliant simplicity of the plot in A Quiet Place Part II. Like the best horror films, the characters don’t get bogged down in a convoluted plot. Rather, A Quiet Place Part II excels in its execution of a classic horror film premise.
One of the most unique elements of A Quiet Place Part II was Krasinski’s decision to set the film immediately after the events of its predecessor. Immediately, horror fans are sure to draw comparisons with Halloween II that continued right where John Carpenter’s original film left off. And, like Halloween II, A Quiet Place Part II feels like it naturally flows from the first film, never once feeling disjointed or too separate.
Part II continues the tradition of the series now in being anchored by an incredible cast. The film, as one would expect, is largely absent of dialogue, leaving the actors to rely on nonverbal cues and gestures to convey complex emotions throughout the film. The entire cast take this acting challenge in their stride scene after scene. Millicent Simmonds once again is a scene stealer as Regan. And the always brilliant Cillian Murphy plays an unexpectedly significant role in the film.
A Quiet Place Part II, however, inevitably suffers simply from it being a simple. The sheer novelty that accompanied the first film is largely absent here and, while the scenes are tense and the characters interestingly developed, Part II plays out much as how one would expect. There aren’t many game-changing risks, which isn’t necessarily a criticism given the brilliance of the first film’s formula and the concerns associated with straying too far away from this formula.
Verdict: 8.5/10
A Quiet Place Part II is easily among the best horror sequels of all time. While the novelty of the premise and world have certainly worn off, Krasinski’s minimalist script and tight directing culminate, yet again, in a suspenseful, emotional thrill ride that will undoubtedly please fans of the first film.
Images courtesy of Paramount