S silence to terrifying effect

(15, 90 mins) Sci-Fi/Horror/Romance

bsence of dialogue, the film autifully calibrated gestures to tion. ki’s real-life wife Emily Blunt owerhouse performance as a , who is dedicated to preparing n for a bleak future without her uence. s magnificently with expressive ars Millicent Simmonds and who milk every tear and anguish from their characters’ h predicament. nine days after first contact onsters, resourceful father Lee sinski), his wife Evelyn f daughter Regan (Simmonds), Marcus (Jupe) and four-year-old Woodward) have adapted to the omnipresent threat.

The family communicates via sign language and silently scours for provisions in abandoned stores, treading carefully on paths of sand to dampen the gentle thud of bare feet.

Alas, the electronic beeps from a battery-powered space shuttle toy prove little Beau’s downfall.

More than a year later, the Abbotts regroup in grief under the eaves of an old farmhouse.

Evelyn is heavily pregnant and a newborn baby’s cries could draw the hunters to their provision-stocked hiding place unless they can sound-proof the basement.

Time is of the essence and Lee actively involves Regan and Marcus in preparing escape routes and diversion tactics.

Despite these best laid plans, Evelyn fears her brood will lose the deadly game of hide and seek.

“Who are we if we can’t protect them?” she tearfully pleads with her spouse.

A Quiet Place bides its time, relishing nervous calms before the storm of sickening violence that consumes the final act.

Tense sequences in a grain silo and a water-logged nursery draw favourable comparisons with the Jurassic Park and Alien franchises.

The script’s logic frays in places — it’s unlikely a mattress would keep the beasties at bay and the Abbotts’ newborn conveniently slumbers through some of the tensest exchanges without a single giveaway gurgle.

However, it’s impossible not to be held in a vice-like grip by the family’s whiteknuckle ordeal.

Don’t speak, don’t breathe, and pray. Silently.