Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn make a daring getaway from New York in the exclusive first glimpse of 'A Quiet Place: Day One'

Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn make a daring getaway from New York in the exclusive first glimpse of 'A Quiet Place: Day One'

By M Muzamil Shami

Djimon Hounsou, who starred in "Part II," reprises his role in this prequel that revisits the day the aliens arrived on Earth.


The brilliance of the upcoming A Quiet Place film lies in its straightforward yet effective concept: Retain the fundamental premise from earlier installments, but alter the setting. This subtle adjustment significantly raises the stakes.


In John Krasinski’s 2018 horror-thriller, viewers were introduced to the Abbott family, who navigated a silent existence in their rural farmhouse amidst a terrifying reality where sound-hunting alien creatures roamed freely. The saga continued in 2021 with A Quiet Place: Part II. Now, in A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel and the franchise's inaugural spinoff, audiences will witness how the bustling streets of New York City, renowned for their noise, coped with the invasion of these merciless beings.


Lupita Nyong'o, an Academy Award winner, found herself residing in the Big Apple as she prepared to star in this film alongside Joseph Quinn of Stranger Things fame. Reflecting on the prospect of a quiet New York, Nyong'o shared with EW, "The idea of a silent New York is profoundly captivating. It seems inconceivable... When you're there, you naturally tune out the cacophony. You become accustomed to the silence. Yet, I realized the immense challenge of surviving in a world that demands silence within such a bustling city."


Eric, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, Sam, portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o, and Frodo the cat feature in "A Quiet Place: Day One". (Photo credit: Gareth                                 Gatrell/Paramount Pictures)
       Eric, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, Sam, portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o, and Frodo the cat feature in "A Quiet Place: Day One". (Photo credit: Gareth                                 Gatrell/Paramount Pictures)

  

Entertainment Weekly offers an exclusive preview of "A Quiet Place: Day One," taking audiences back to the initial stages of the alien invasion depicted briefly in the opening flashback of "A Quiet Place: Part II." Co-developed by John Krasinski and the writer-director of "Day One," Michael Sarnoski, this new installment explores the global response to the cataclysmic event.


In this prequel, Nyong’o takes the lead as Sam, a woman caught in New York City during the onset of the monster invasion. Amidst the chaos, she joins forces with Eric (Quinn), reluctantly agreeing to navigate the city and survive together. This narrative expansion sets the stage for the forthcoming sequel, "A Quiet Place: Part III," initially slated for a 2025 release but facing a shifted timeline in its development.


In discussing the dynamics of family in the film, Nyong’o reflects on the absence of conventional familial bonds. Unlike the tight-knit unit of Lee (Krasinski), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and Marcus Abbott (Noah Jupe) from the previous A Quiet Place installments, the characters in this film find themselves as disparate individuals thrust into each other's lives amidst a critical juncture for humanity. The central question becomes: how do they navigate survival together? The resulting chemistry between these characters is both intriguing and unexpectedly rich, born out of their chance encounters in a world on the brink.


For Quinn, stepping into his first major role post-Stranger Things as the protagonist fleeing from formidable monsters represents a thematic continuation. He acknowledges the familiarity of the theme, commenting, 'I suppose there's a variation on a familiar motif. Here we go again.' However, he views Day One less as a traditional survival narrative and more as a character-driven drama. 'It's primarily about the interplay between these two characters who find themselves adrift and grappling with their destinies,' Quinn explains. 'While the script unfolds within the familiar backdrop, the essence lies in Eric and Sam's mutual acceptance of the somber, quieter reality they face.' Though the film introduces other compelling characters, the core focus remains on Eric and Sam's journey of acceptance amidst the desolation.


Djimon Hounsou reprises his role in the 'A Quiet Place' franchise alongside Lupita Nyong'o in 'Day One'. PHOTO: GARETH GATRELL/PARAMOUNT                     PICTURES
       Djimon Hounsou reprises his role in the 'A Quiet Place' franchise alongside Lupita Nyong'o in 'Day One'. PHOTO: GARETH GATRELL/PARAMOUNT                     PICTURES


Sarnoski's "Pig" actor Alex Wolff and "A Quiet Place" veteran Djimon Hounsou assume some of those additional roles. Though the actors remain tight-lipped about their contributions to the unfolding events, Hounsou's involvement hints at "Day One" serving as an origin story for his character. This character played a pivotal role in establishing a safe refuge on a remote island before Regan unwittingly attracted one of the monsters in Part II.


Reflecting on Hounsou's presence, Nyong'o expresses gratitude for his inclusion in the film, suggesting a continuation of the previous film's legacy. Whether the character, formerly referred to as "Man on Island," will be given a proper name remains a mystery, with Nyong'o teasing that the film will offer satisfaction in many regards.


Another significant character is Sam, the understated third lead, who brings her cat Frodo along on her journey to New York. Nyong'o notes Sarnoski's affinity for "Lord of the Rings," likening Frodo to a faithful companion. Frodo's impact extends beyond the screen, as Nyong'o reveals the feline has transformed her into a devoted cat person. Initially fearful of cats, Nyong'o's bond with Frodo blossomed throughout filming, culminating in her embracing the role of a cat mom and cherishing the symbol of affection represented by her furry companion.

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