A Quiet Place (2018)

A Quiet Place offers an interesting premise for a horror film that is told through sign language and subtitles instead of spoken words. This narrative device does allow for greater intensity because the few sound effects that are utilized, it becomes very jarring when they do occur. The screenplay is taut and effective on slowing increasing the intensity as the plot progresses. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt star as the remaining survivors of an alien invasion which responds to sound in order to exterminate mankind. 

Much of the action is built around Evelyn's impending childbirth and many scenes throughout the screenplay turn the screw even tighter. The most effective scene involves Evelyn when she steps on an exposed nail with her bare foot at the worst possible time during labor. This scene is pushed further because it is shot in an excruciating close-up. The film does tend to fall apart at the conclusion because of the open ending intentionally done for the sole marketing purpose of a sequel. While A Quiet Place is a decent film, it works as a standalone and not something interesting enough to warrant a sequel or two.   🎬🎬 🎬 (3 out of 4)