A Quite Place Part II

 

A Quite Place Part II

A Quite Place Part II is the sequel to the original 2018 film. This takes place about a year later than the original.  It is less tense than the original film because we know about the sightless long legged monsters with hyper hearing terrorizing the locals. But there are still enough moments in the film to make you jump.

I thought this was going to be an origin movie. Aside from a brief appearance by John Krasinski and fire balls raining from the sky the main part of the film is the family’s struggle for survival. Emily Blunt is the heroic mother protecting her children played again by Noah Jupe, Millicent Simmonds and a cute uncredited baby. New to the film are Cillian Murphy and Djmoun  Hounsou. Murphy takes on the male role after Krasinski death however Blunt is the family’s matriarch protecting the family. Jupe is still the boy terrified by the monsters and his sister the brave young girl who confronts them. The family is still trying to survive in the hostile environment where the monsters hunt humans attacking at the slightest sound. Besides caring for two older children Blunt has to take care of a baby which presents new obstacles. The contrast of a deaf girl battling monsters with super hearing is the main juxtaposition of the movie.

There were some clever elements in the script that kept the movie fresh. Some of the monsters’ vulnerabilities were revealed and the children’s bravery were showcased. These scenes highlighted Krasinski’s directorial skills.

All the actors were excellent. It is still intriguing how Simmonds uses signing to complement her expressive performance.  Cillian Murphy is the reluctant protector of the family. He gives a strong intense performance. Regrettably Djmoun  Hounsou  only has a brief appearance.

This clearly is a post pandemic film. Seeing this on a TV screen, even a large one, does justice to the film and especially to the sound effects. If there is a part three maybe unanswered questions will be resolved.  Why did the creatures come to earth, what is their purpose and who is keeping the lights on?