By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Believe the hype.
“A Quiet Place: Part II” measures up to its 2018 blockbuster predecessor in so many ways.
Director/co-screenwriter
John Krasinski (TV’s “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) proves once again he’s just as much a force behind the camera as he is in front of it. This creature feature is bigger, bolder, scarier, and yeah even better than the original. I know that’s really saying something because the first one was great. This one is too. The novelty hasn’t worn off.
The alien/monsters are the star attraction here and this time around we get to see them so up close and personal you can almost smell them. The well-earned jump scares and the twists in this movie will sneak up on you when you least expect them. Hold on to your popcorn because the opening sequence is an absolute stunner.
As the movie settles into the present day, we see that the Abbott family is suffering. The matriarch Evelyn (Emily Blunt, Upcoming “Jungle Cruise”) is still grieving over the death of her husband Lee (her real-life husband John Krasinski). She’s on her own now with a new baby and her kids Regan (a sensational Millicent Simmonds, TV’s “This Close”) and Marcus Noah Jupe (a terrific “Ford v. Ferrari” and “Honey Boy”).
They’ve been displaced from their home and are forced to venture to the outside world and find shelter. However, they must tread lightly to evade those sound-chasing monsters. Regan has tweaked her hearing aid so that it transmits a piercing sound that brings the creatures to their knees. At least temporarily.
Their journey leads them to their neighbor Emmett (Cillian Murphy, “Dunkirk” and TV’s “Peaky Blinders”). He’s seen so much death, destruction, and the dark side of humanity, that he’s not initially willing to help the Abbotts. Plus, he doesn’t believe there are any people left worth saving.
Of course, Regan isn’t as pessimistic as Emmett. She’s incredibly smart and courageous as hell. She believes there’s a way to reach the survivors and tell them about the monster’s weaknesses. For starters, they can’t swim.
Regan finds inspiration and clues through a song heard on the radio. Who knew Bobby Darin’s "Beyond the Sea” would help save the world from fast moving, gigantic spider like aliens?
Now, it’s a question of whether Emmett is willing to take a chance and see if Regan is on to something. He does and she is. Regan’s deafness turns out to be her biggest superpower and the family’s best chance at survival.
“A Quiet Place: Part II” ends with more questions than answers. That could only mean that a Part III is inevitable.
While I wish Djimon Hounsou (TV’s “Invincible”) could have stuck around for it, I’m still eager to see how much more the Abbotts can take.
There’s a lot to build upon from this sequel. Maybe a couple more movies. Until then, “A Quiet Place: Part II” is a thrilling kick-off to the summer movie season.
“A Quiet Place Part II” opens in theaters May 28, then will stream on
Paramount+ after 45 days.
Watch This Trailer For
"A QUIET PLACE: PART II"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
