Warning: This story includes spoilers from “A Quiet Place: Day One,” currently screening in cinemas.
“A Quiet Place: Day One” features tension-filled silence, brutal killings and an emotional ending that opens up for more postapocalyptic horrors to emerge in future installments of this apocalyptic storyline.
Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o plays Samira, a terminally ill cancer patient who ventures outside hospice to explore New York City with her service cat Frodo and is soon forced back by alien creatures with an acute sense of hearing called Death Angels who invade earth from outer space. Sam meets up with Frodo and Eric (Joseph Quinn), an English law student student, during an apocalyptic moment where every sound may cause Death Angels to attack; these three must silently navigate one of world noisiest cities while Sam still manages a mission: visiting East Harm Pizzeria from childhood where her father played jazz!
At the conclusion of the film, as military ships continue to evacuate civilians by boat, Sam and Eric make it to a jazz club; unfortunately, its pizzeria was closed so Eric found some elsewhere instead of eating there himself. Eric and Frodo make their escape — from Eric’s creators — but Sam opts to go the opposite way, walking out into the street listening to Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” while listening on her iPod; upon unplugging her earphones the monsters appear; signalling her story has ended and screen goes dark to signify her story’s conclusion as her story comes to an end as her story comes full circle for her as her story had come full circle for her story has come full circle for her story is complete.
Nyong’o noted the movie was compelling because Sam faces mortality head on at its core – something untypical of most horror films – before there’s an alien invasion: she goes through an experience whereby the creatures give her new hope in life while simultaneously teaching her to value it while it still matters to her. “Her journey shows her to value life while it lasts” she commented to Variety.
“Day One” director Michael Sarnoski spoke with Variety regarding future of this franchise and offered up valuable insight as to its direction. With an opening weekend gross of $53 million domestic and $98 million globally in its debut week alone. Variety interviewed Michael about future of franchise.
Why did you select this film as your follow up to “Pig?”
“After “Pig,” I struggled a great deal deciding how I wanted to move forward with my career. While not actively looking for studio roles, John and Paramount gave me enough freedom in this movie to explore a character who otherwise might be unlikely to appear in such a feature film; Sam became someone I fell deeply in love with while experiencing life through her eyes was very captivating to me; it felt great being given such a chance.”
Filming took place in London. How were you able to achieve those shots of Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge burning away simultaneously?
Industrial Light & Magic’s (ILM) special effects add stunning visuals, but we also participated in some helicopter shoots in New York – something I found both terrifying and exhilarating! As well as doing portrait photos there.
One of the few scenes we were able to shoot in New York City was Sam driving across a bridge into Manhattan; we could have used blue screen or any number of options; I decided it would be more compelling and naturalistic if Sam entered New York “for real.” Everything then fell into place perfectly!
Have we heard whether Djimon Hounsou knew about “Day One” prior to signing on for “A Quiet Place Part II,” since he acts as the intermediary between them both?
“Day One: Part II” speech inspired this prequel; although, whether that speech itself triggered my idea is uncertain; his character has always been central to any “Day One”-themed movies and that could also have played into my decision process.
Did you and John discuss Henri’s backstory?
No, John provided a lot of leeway there. When Henri appears on the island he serves as leader for this community and I thought it’d be interesting to explore its beginning. Perhaps some hard choices had to be made before reaching this place of peace was reached? John gave me enough freedom and freedom of interpretation so that I could use mystery as much as desired when creating scenes involving Henri on this occasion.
Alex Wolff played Reuben, one of the hospice nurses. His death early in the film was dramatic – why was this decision made and what was Alex’s reaction upon reading the script?
“Wow,” I thought when writing my character and then realized I should create Alex. Now I worry I may forget him as one of my good luck charms; working with him has always been wonderful for me!
At its heart, Sam was excited by this idea. While actors typically experience grief upon realizing they don’t get any more work after playing one role, he understood what this opportunity brought and was thrilled about it. Sam’s death marked that moment where it could go either way — from telling an epic stragglers story to something much smaller and personal for Sam himself.
Will Eric and Frodo actually survive their journey to freedom?
They deserved it; I like to imagine they have found some peace — for now — on an island or elsewhere.
Where did the boat head at the conclusion of this movie?
Who knows exactly what will it takes for these individuals to arrive on that island in “Part II?” Their trials may still remain, yet I believe some are moving toward it eventually.
Let’s discuss Sam’s fate a bit further. Lupita Nyong’o stated her belief that Sam has had more appreciation of life following the apocalypse; what are your thoughts about that?
That was certainly our aim – this notion that an otherwise lifeless individual, one whom had written themselves off entirely, might find hope again when all seems lost despite everything crumbling around them – when everything seems hopeless but Sam manages to find one last moment she cherishes and cherishes despite everything happening around them – without its end, Sam never would have experienced her happy ending!
Sam’s death seems similar to John Krasinski’s character at the end of “A Quiet Place,” when they both make sacrifices that show an identical sentiment. Did you discuss these parallels there?
At first, it seemed as if this is two separate characters who commit suicide for different reasons, yet on paper both characters seem identical. We discussed how on paper there are two characters doing it but for very different motivations; John sacrifices himself so beautifully for his children whereas Samantha finds her way of finding that same satisfaction within herself through different avenues – it would have been easy for the two attempts at suicide to clash; we found it refreshing doing both at once instead, hoping each would ring true in its own unique way; both I think. Both rings true in its own unique ways!
Could we see “A Quiet Place: Day Two”?
Absolutely – and I think Paramount will come up with something very exciting in their next project.
What would you like to see happen in 2019?
Attracted to “Quiet Place”, what attracted me most was Sam, following someone dying without really fighting back – an unlikely character in this universe, such as Eric or Sam themselves – so something similar might make for an interesting and unexpected twist in a similar tale. I put all my focus and love into Sam and Eric; perhaps now would be better spent finding an unexpected character who I can fall in love with? As of right now I put all of it in Sam and Eric! But to have any chance at succeeding I must find someone I care deeply enough about and then let’s find someone like them and see their take on life through their eyes as much as possible.
What can you tell us about A Quiet Place Part III being released next year?
Not too many. I took an approach where this film can stand on its own without needing to see its predecessors first, yet they may make part three; although, when that occurs I will definitely make sure I am present to witness its debut!
What characters from the franchise do you feel should receive their own spin off series?
Every character could make for great film material; you could easily follow prequels or sequels of almost any character in this franchise, thanks to amazing casting choices like Cillian Murphy. There’s plenty of choice here.
My go-to solution has always been Frodo singing his way through life as my backup plan, providing comforting nostalgia in an easily digestible form.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
