Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping monster movie has lots of tension, some blood.
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A Quiet Place
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 94 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is an intense yet engaging thriller suitable for families with mature children, showcasing themes of survival, family bonds, and personal sacrifice, while also weaving in some emotional moments. While it includes mild gore and jump scares, many felt it offers valuable lessons and relatable characters, making it a unique experience in the horror genre.
- intense thriller
- strong family themes
- engaging suspense
- educational value
- mild gore
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 305 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In A QUIET PLACE, the world has been invaded by monsters that attack anything that makes noise. The Abbott family has managed to survive by staying very quiet; this is partly thanks to eldest daughter Regan (Millicent Simmonds), who is deaf, so the family already knows how to communicate with American Sign Language. Practical father Lee (John Krasinski) and mother Evelyn (Emily Blunt) have built a stronghold filled with stored food, surveillance cameras, warning lights, and even a Monopoly game with soft, silent playing pieces. But Regan blames herself for an earlier family tragedy, and son Marcus (Noah Jupe) is deathly afraid to go out and risk facing the monsters. Things get more difficult when the pregnant Evelyn must deliver her baby in silence. Her situation is further complicated when the baby is ready to come, and she finds herself alone, with the monsters circling.
Is It Any Good?
This gripping, clever monster movie is one of those rare genre treats that seizes on a simple, unique idea and executes it so perfectly and concisely that viewers can't help but be delighted. A Quiet Place is directed and co-written by Krasinski, who's best known for his work in comedy. He translates his experience in that genre to the expert building and releasing of tension here. A Quiet Place is, in many ways, an extended classic horror movie sequence, such as famous ones in The Birds or Aliens, wherein the heroes must try not to disturb packs of resting monsters.
At the same time, Krasinski uses the quiet like music, ranging from moments of restful beauty—including a father-son trip to a waterfall, where it's noisy enough that they can talk and even shout—to contrasted pauses. A loud noise can cause a jump, but it's immediately followed by tension and dread: Will the creatures come this time? The real beauty is the movie's primal quality, based on the most basic elements of life, such as survival and protection of the species. No explanation is given for the monsters' existence; they, like us, are just here. A few overly familiar horror movie clichés keep it from being perfect, but otherwise A Quiet Place is so good that it may leave viewers speechless.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A Quiet Place's use of violence. How did it affect you? How much violence is actually shown? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is the movie scary? What's the appeal of horror/monster movies? Why is it sometimes fun to be scared?
Do you think it would be hard to stay quiet for long periods? How long have you gone without making a sound?
How does Regan come across? Is she strong? Admirable? Does the movie make you interested in learning more about American Sign Language?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 6, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : July 9, 2018
- Cast : John Krasinski , Emily Blunt , Noah Jupe , Millicent Simmonds
- Director : John Krasinski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : terror and some bloody images
- Last updated : November 8, 2025
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