Why ‘A Quiet Place’ is a Great Movie But Struggles as a Franchise

In 2018, ‘A Quiet Place’ captivated audiences with its intense and emotionally charged portrayal of a family navigating a world overrun by aliens that hunt based on sound. Starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as Lee and Evelyn Abbott, the film effectively combined suspense and family drama. However, while the original film stood strong as a standalone narrative, its sequels, ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, have faced criticism for their plot inconsistencies and unresolved issues.

One major plot point that has raised eyebrows is the decision by Evelyn and Lee to have another baby despite the dangers posed by creatures that hunt by sound. The presence of a crying infant in such a perilous environment seems questionable, given the film’s premise and the risks involved. While this choice underscores the family’s resilience and love, it also introduces some plot holes that fans have scrutinized.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Reddit discussions highlight several other inconsistencies. For instance, some fans have questioned why Lee does not use distractions to fend off the alien creature attacking the truck in the first film. Additionally, there are debates about how the characters could not have devised solutions to mitigate the aliens’ reliance on sound, such as using white noise.

In ‘A Quiet Place Part II’, these issues persist, with critics noting that the rules governing the aliens’ behavior seem inconsistent. Some viewers have pointed out that the creatures’ reactions do not always align with the established rules, leading to confusion and frustration.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The prequel, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, shifts focus to a different set of characters in New York City and explores the early days of the alien invasion. However, it does not feature the Abbott family, which may leave fans wondering about the continuity and potential for future instalments.

Despite these challenges, the  ‘A Quiet Place’ franchise continues to engage audiences with its chilling concept of sound-based predation. Director Michael Sarnoski emphasized the universal fear and relatability of the aliens’ threat, aiming to balance horror with a broader sense of scale and invasion. However, as the franchise expands, it remains to be seen how well it can address these narrative complexities and maintain its initial impact.

–Farheen Ali 

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