“A Quiet Place Part II” Movie Review by Stephanie Chapman : Pop Culture Leftovers

“A Quiet Place Part II” Movie Review by Stephanie Chapman

June 6, 2021 7:59 am |

Many fans of the first installment of the “A Quiet Place” franchise will remember the eerie silence in the theatre as they watched that fresh take on suspense. Many viewers of that first film will also remember the fear of making a sound as they rooted for the characters on the screen to also stay silent to save their lives.

Now that the sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II” has finally hit the big screen after delays and feverish anticipation from audiences, viewers can breathe a sigh of relief because this film makes some brave choices that pay off in satisfying ways.

Directed by John Krasinski and written by John Krasinski, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, “A Quiet Place Part II” begins right where the first film ends. As the remaining family members “Evelyn” the mother (played by Emily Blunt), daughter “Regan” (played by Millicent Simmonds) and son “Marcus” (played by Noah Jupe) along with a newborn infant leave to find safety after an attack on their home by the creatures who had just killed their father the night before.

While the fear and anticipation of them making noise is palatable at the beginning of the film, a lengthy flashback gives audiences a glimpse of how the chaos started. It also introduces some new characters that will play a significant role later in the film. One of those characters is “Emmett” (played by Cillian Murphy).

That flashback is filled with seemingly normal, everyday noises that eventually turn into pure chaos as the reality of terror sets in. Although helpful in understanding the decisions made by the characters later in the film, the flashback serves as a break in the quiet tension audiences feel. Therefore, the silent and eerie experience many enjoyed while watching the first installment may be difficult to replicate.

“Regan” (played by Simmonds) who was one of the standout characters of the first film does not disappoint the second time around. The film focuses more on her story and determination as she fights for her family’s safety and takes risks of her own. “Evelyn” (played by Blunt) continues to hold it all together even when the odds continue to be stacked against her. Surprisingly “Marcus” (played by Jupe) comes into his own in this film, despite an early event that puts him at risk and will have audiences at the edge of their seat in fear for his life.

Finally, “Emmett” (played by Murphy) who is introduced early on in the film becomes a great stand-in for the character played by Krasinski in the first film. Not as a romantic interest for “Evelyn”, but as a protector and even victim who finds support in an unlikely ally.

This film is a respectable sequel that knows how to settle in the pocket. Where it lacks in suspense, it makes up in writing and performances. Unfortunately the ending leaves a bit to be desired. Spoiler free, but don’t anticipate anything other than a missed opportunity for a unique cliffhanger and an obvious path to the inevitable third installment.

PCL Rating: High Taste It

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH