In a world where any noise can attract deadly aliens, the Abbott family must navigate a treacherous terrain to survive. Their poor choices and reckless decisions lead to tragedy and heartbreak, yet somehow, we can’t help but root for them. The film’s expert storytelling and character development make us invested in the fate of the family, despite their glaring mistakes.
The opening scene sets the tone for the horrors that the Abbotts face, as they gather supplies in a ravaged pharmacy. The youngest, Beau, finds a toy space shuttle and wants to keep it, but his parents’ mistake leads to his demise. This tragedy is a direct result of their earlier decisions, and we are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. Throughout the film, the Abbotts make questionable choices that put themselves and others in danger. They take their four-year-old son, Beau, on a trip to the pharmacy, despite the risks, and then make the same mistake again by leaving him unattended. This decision ultimately leads to Beau’s demise.
A Still From A Quiet Place (Photo: A Quiet Place)
After Beau’s death, the remaining family members make more misguided choices. They opt to have another child, despite the risks, and Evelyn gives birth in their soundproof cellar. They also decide to venture out to a waterfall, where they can talk without making too much noise, but this decision only leads to more danger. As the family faces challenges and tragedies, they are unable to learn from their mistakes. They continue to make poor choices, which ultimately lead to more heartbreak and loss.
Despite the Abbotts’ failures, the film’s atmosphere and tension are expertly crafted, making it a masterful horror film. The audience is drawn in by the family’s struggles and invested in their fate, despite their questionable decisions. A Quiet Place is a story about survival, but also about the importance of learning from our mistakes and making better choices in the face of adversity. The film masterfully explores the theme of survival in a world gone silent, where the slightest noise can be deadly.
