Two years ago, John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place became an unexpected phenomenon, earning rave reviews (95% on the Tomatometer), grossing more than $340 million worldwide, and even receiving an Oscar nomination for its invaluable sound design. Who knew Jim from The Office had it in him? But could it launch a franchise? Working well as a small-scale standalone sci-fi horror movie, it didn’t need a continuation.
Well, Krasinski went ahead and wrote and directed another one anyway, and apparently that’s a good thing, since the first reactions to A Quiet Place Part II are entirely positive. Most of the social media commentary following the first press screenings are about how the follow-up builds upon the original while also celebrating the performances of returning actress Millicent Simmonds and franchise newcomer Cillian Murphy.
Here’s what critics are saying about A Quiet Place Part II:
A worthy, world-expanding followup that builds on the original and finds its own thrills, chills, and emotions in the process.
– Kate Erbland, IndieWire
A savagely unfurled sequel… smartly employs sound and silence like the first. But best of all, it builds the world and grows the characters in thoughtful, grounded, and riveting ways.
– Kristy Puchko, Pajiba
It’s a great sequel that expands the world.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
Finds exciting ways to further explore this terrifying environment, and is bigger… deserves to be a MASSIVE hit.
– Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend
Builds upon the story from the first film in some unexpected/inspired ways.
– Heather Wixson, Daily Dead
Not at all what I expected, and that’s a great thing. A very creative sequel that goes to some unexpected and satisfying places.
– Megan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting
In what could easily have been a retread, John Krasinski finds unbelievably creative ways to keep the movie’s niche from getting stale… riveting from top to bottom.
– Chris Killian, ComicBook.com
(Photo by Paramount Pictures)
TENSE AS HELL.
– Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend
Incredibly tense.
– Heather Wixson, Daily Dead
Spine-tingling. Tense.
– Kristy Puchko, Pajiba
“Tension: The Movie.” I have a stomach ache now from how tense this movie is.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
Had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
Millicent Simmonds really comes into her own her with a truly phenomenal performance… She’s sooooooo good!
– Heather Wixson, Daily Dead
Millicent Simmonds is phenomenal.
– Kristy Puchko, Pajiba
Bravo Millicent Simmonds.
– Megan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting
Cillian Murphy RULES.
– Heather Wixson, Daily Dead
Steals the movie.
– Chris Killian, ComicBook.com
This turned out to be a surprisingly great Cillian Murphy movie… he’s basically the main character.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
He and Millicent Simmonds truly steal the film. Noah Jupe is great too.
– Erik Davis, Fandango
(Photo by Paramount Pictures)
How does John Krasinski already have Spielberg-level chops??
– Sean O’Connell, CinemaBlend
He’s very much a natural.
– Heather Wixson, Daily Dead
Bravo, John Krasinski. So good, so emotional, too.
– Erik Davis, Fandango
He nails it, again!
– Megan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting
Very good, again with fantastic sound design.
– Erik Davis, Fandango
When it ended, wanted more. Is it too early to talk about A Quiet Place Part III?
– Steve Weintraub, Collider
A Quiet Place Part II opens on March 20.
91%
