In a post-apocalyptic world taken over by an alien species acutely attracted to sound, a family is forced into silence in an attempt to survive. In “A Quiet Place,” a 90-minute drama/thriller, blind and hungry aliens attack anything that makes noise. As the motto in the movie goes, “If they hear you, they hunt you.”

Right off the bat, the silence is uncomfortably deafening. The theater was so eerily quiet that some moviegoers started putting away their candy and bags of popcorn. The lack of sound adds tension and suspense to any sound made, both in the theater and the movie, as the audience is introduced to the family: Lee (John Krasinski), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe) and Beau (Cade Woodward). The family is on a mission to get sick son Marcus some medicine – something hard to find in their ruined world. Immediately, viewers notice the family communicating in American Sign Language. Not only did the director and lead actor, John Krasinski, push for representation as actress Millicent is also deaf in real life, but he also brilliantly brought the audience a bit of insight on what it’s like to be deaf by playing with moments of total silence and relying heavily on visual factors.

Krasinski and Blunt, who are married in real life, discussed the risk blending personal relationships with work. Although they were given negative feedback by close family and friends, the pair were excited to finally be working together and embracing the people they become on screen. The chemistry bled through and showed on screen, which made the film much more emotionally appealing as it provided the audience with natural mother-father like figures. Because the use of words was limited, the actual romance the pair has made their situation as well as their acting, more believable.

Although there weren’t many jumpscares, Krasinski still managed to make viewers flinch with fear. The movie was filled with nail biting moments – even during scenes when there wasn’t an alien on screen. Not only did Krasinski make the aliens believable, but he also made the characters reasonable and loveable, something horror movies these days lack.

It is finally satisfying to see a movie based on a unique idea with different characters. Instead of stupid teenagers going to party in the woods, viewers are replaced with a much more risky factor: kids. Even viewers became defensive in the movie theater at the possibility of one of the kids being eaten by an alien. Although “A Quiet Place” is a horror film, it also goes to show the extent parents are willing to take for their kids out of love. This movie doesn’t lack emotional appeal, and it will not go unappreciated.

“A Quiet Place” was exceptional on its own and to think this is Krasinski’s directorial debut makes it even more amazing. Although certain events could have had more screen time to develop, there is no doubt fans would attend another future project made by Krasinski.