News

A Quiet Place Part II Reactions: Expansive, Incredibly Tense, and Full of Surprises

Early reactions on social media say John Krasinski nails the sequel, building a rich world around the first film and ramping up the tension, while Millicent Simmonds and Cillian Murphy steal the show.

by | March 6, 2020 | Comments

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:


How does it compare to the first movie?

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


Paramount Pictures

(Photo by Paramount Pictures)

How tense is it?

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


Who stands out this time?

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


And what about the addition of Cillian Murphy?

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


Paramount Pictures

(Photo by Paramount Pictures)

How is John Krasinski’s directing?

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


And Marco Beltrami’s Score?

He nails it, again!
Megan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting

Very good, again with fantastic sound design.
Erik Davis, Fandango


Are we going to want another sequel?

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.

#1
#1
Adjusted Score: 109803%
Critics Consensus: A nerve-wracking continuation of its predecessor, A Quiet Place Part II expands the terrifying world of the franchise without losing track of its heart.
Synopsis: Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they... [More]
Directed By: John Krasinski