In A Quiet Place: Day One, Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn explore the challenges of acting in a film where dialogue is minimal. Unlike typical films where character interactions are conveyed through conversation, the actors in this movie relied heavily on physical expression to communicate. Audiences of the A Quiet Place franchise will understand the unique demands placed on the actors in this prequel.
A Quiet Place: Day One Relies on Action, Not Words, for Its Thrills
The stars of the new film A Quiet Place: Day One, Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn, recently discussed the unique challenge of acting in a movie with minimal dialogue.
During an interview with ComicBook.com, Quinn, known for his role as Eddie in Stranger Things, shared his thoughts on the unique script:
“It was very descriptive of the miscellany of sequences that we had to go through, but it was definitely light on the dialogue. It was a very interesting spot to be in, where the dialogue was very effective, and kind of punched through a lot of subtext.“
The urgency in communication was highlighted by Quinn, who explained that in a perilous environment where any noise could attract danger, characters only speak when absolutely necessary. This left much of the storytelling to be conveyed through the actors’ physical presence and actions.
The Physical Demands of Survival
Joseph Quinn in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
Day One is a prequel to the previous films starring Emily Blunt and directed by John Krasinski. Set in New York City, it traces the beginning of the alien invasion through the experiences of Sam, portrayed by Nyong’o. The sound-sensitive aliens, for whom a pin drop is as loud as a bang, make the use of sound in the film critical, mirroring the tension of its predecessors.
Joseph Quinn commended Nyong’o’s dedication to the physically demanding role, noting her impressive transformation:
“Lupita was undergoing this incredible kind of physical transformation for it. She was in ketosis, and it was amazing to watch her be as present as she was and give as much as she did to every single scene.“
The physicality required for the film underscores the intense and immersive nature of the A Quiet Place series, promising audiences a gripping and visually compelling narrative that builds on the foundation of the first two films.
A Quiet Place: Day One is currently playing in theaters.
