Horror fans with pets, have you ever imagined how your feline companions would fare in an alien apocalypse? The makers of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” dared to wonder.
Set in a tense New York City, this prequel to fan favourite A Quiet Place explores the unbreakable bond of the protagonist and her cat as they face deadly creatures that hunt by sound. We meet Frodo, a courageous cat navigating the chaos of an alien invasion alongside his owner, Samira, a terminally ill woman played by Lupita Nyong. With Frodo’s always on stealth mode, he proves that even in a world turned upside down, cats will always find a way to survive and thrive.
Frodo, a silent sentinel with piercing green eyes, is more than just a pet to Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o’s character, Samira. Designated as her service animal, he’s her constant companion, tethered to her world by a delicate leash. Their journey takes a harrowing turn when a theatrical escape to New York City transforms into a fight for survival.
As the city crumbles under the weight of alien invasion, Samira’s mission becomes clear: protect herself, and Frodo, at any cost. But amidst the human drama, a scene-stealing star emerges: a cat named Frodo. This feline star becomes an unexpected companion to the couple, his silent presence offering a sense of normalcy in the deafening quiet.
Director Michael Sarnoski deserves major pawprints for utilizing real cats instead of CGI. Their natural movements and expressive eyes add a layer of authenticity that elevates every scene Frodo graces. Speaking of stealing scenes, there’s one sequence that had even the most seasoned horror hound gripping their chew toy. Nestled in an abandoned subway station, Frodo’s playful curiosity lands him in hot water (or should we say, floodwater?) Let’s just say escaping a flooded tunnel with a terrified human and a hissing feline is a recipe for nerve jangling tension.
A Quiet place cat
Frodo becomes a symbol of resilience and adaptability. He reminds us that even with the world gone wrong, some instincts remain – the need for companionship, the playful pounce, the unwavering desire for that forbidden sunbeam and pizza. Defying logic and gravity, this cat has somehow stretched its nine lives into an entire movie. Vanishing without a trace one moment, braving icy waters the next, it’s a performance worthy of an Oscar (if cats could win them) or a honorary Palm dog cat award.
Two real cats named Schnitzel and Nico actually played Frodo, the cat star. They learned their roles with 12 weeks of training and lots of yummy treats. No computer tricks were used, thus defying the stereotype of cats being un-coachable. They proved that on a film set, at least, you can indeed herd cats.
As Samira and Eric navigate this new, deadly reality, Frodo’s independent spirit becomes a constant source of heart-pounding tension. He has a talent for disappearing and reappearing in dangerous situations. This talent transforms him from a beloved pet into a symbol of strength. It creates intense moments of suspense.
There is a heart-stopping sequence where Eric, drenched and disoriented, bursts from the subway into a world gone mad. In that instant of chaos, his gaze locks with a pair of luminous cat eyes peering through a railing. Samira’s feline companion becomes an unlikely symbol of hope, a serene island in a sea of panic.
Some viewers may not like that the movie relies on existing lore and doesn’t develop the characters much. However, “A Quiet Place: Day One” still demonstrates the strength of our feline friends. It’s a reminder that even in the quietest of apocalypses, a purr can be the loudest act of defiance. Unexpectedly, the pizza and bar moments are more genuinely touching than some of the dramatic or family-oriented movies out there.
Lupita Nyong’o overcame her lifelong fear of cats to portray Samira in the film. Despite her initial phobia, she underwent intensive therapy to build a bond with the on-screen cats. She was so dedicated to the role that she ended up getting her own cat, showing how the experience changed her relationship with cats.
Dogs wouldn’t do well in ‘A Quiet Place’, with aliens hunting by sound, subtlety reigns supreme, making a canine co-star quite the liability. If we were to draw parallels to dogs in apocalyptic movies -the heart pounding thriller Prey, Tom Hanks starrer Finch or I am Legend comes to mind. Hollywood loves dogs like Lassie, Hachiko and Benji, but cats don’t get as many starring roles. Mega budget flops like “Argylle” and “The Marvels” couldn’t even be saved by their furry friends (though Garfield might disagree!).
So, is “A Quiet Place: Day One” worth the watch? It might be a horror flick, but the real scream-worthy performance comes from Frodo, the scene-stealing feline. While Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn do their best amidst predictable scares and a so-so plot, Frodo’s chill vibes are the distraction from the alien apocalypse. This movie might not rewrite the horror genre, but it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the unique companionship of a cat. For horror fans, the sound design remains top-notch, and the film delivers some genuinely heart-stopping moments. But for dog lovers and cat enthusiasts alike, Frodo’s performance is the real treat.