A Quiet Place (2018)

In the very near future, Earth has been invaded by by blind creatures who have acute sound capabilities which is how they hone in on their prey. The film focuses on a family that lives on a desolate wheat farm where they must live in total silence to avoid the deadly aliens. Directed by John Krasinski (who plays the father), this is a terrific horror film, an instant classic. But like most great horror films, it's not just about "Boo!" and giving us jolts (though there are a few of them). At its core, the film is about family. What is means to be a parent and stepping up to the plate, about guilt and the dynamics of parent/child relationships which even in a time of horror take center stage. I liked Krasinski's previous film (also about family), THE HOLLARS which too few people have seen. But that didn't prepare me for the staggering power of this movie. The performances are superb right down the line. Actors often use dialog as crutches but with their words taken from them, they are dependent on their physicality, their faces, their emotions to convey. They have to show us what they feel rather than tell us. In addition to Krasinski, there's Emily Blunt (his real life spouse) as the wife, the wonderful Millicent Simmonds (who is deaf) and that amazing child actor Noah Jupe (SUBURBICON, WONDER).