Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
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THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT — I don’t know that I have ever seen a horror movie that has managed to keep me coiled with anticipation and fear while at the same time causing me to reflect on the type of father I aspire to be.
Somehow “A Quiet Place,” starring John Krasinski, has done both.
“A Quiet Place” is a remarkably well done PG-13 horror movie that manages to get its scares and a good story across at the same time, but it's not without a little blood. See John Clyde's full review on KSL.com for more details about the movie.
Here is what you may want to know before going into this film or sending your kids.
Spoiler alert: I’ll try to be as spoiler-free as possible but there are some elements of this guide that may give away a bit of the story. However, I will reveal nothing that cannot be deduced from watching the trailer to this film if you’re paying close enough attention.
Blood and gore
This film is set against a backdrop where humans are hunted by terrifying creatures who feed on exceptionally noisy people. These creatures strike without warning or mercy and do a lot of bodily damage in the process.
This film isn’t shy about showing the aftermath of these attacks but does not dwell too long on the gore — just long enough to give you an idea of what the humans are up against. There is a lot of human blood and creature blood.
One scene that isn't violent but is rather bloody is when we see the mother, played by Emily Blunt, give birth to her baby in a tub. While we don’t see the actual birth, we do see the blood resulting from it.
Violence
As the humans of this film are keenly aware, their foes are heartless and unstoppable yet must find a way to survive. We see several instances of creature attacks on humans and human attacks on the creatures.
In particular, one violent scene near the beginning of the movie involves a child and was quite disturbing for me as a parent, and I can imagine it would be disturbing for younger kids, as well. Several scenes toward the end of the film are quite violent and could possibly be difficult to watch for younger children or people sensitive to gun violence.
Language
One good or bad thing about this film depending on how you look at it is there is very little spoken dialogue. The lack of dialogue makes every word spoken out loud a precious commodity, which is not wasted on questionable language.
I can’t think of any uttered word that would offend someone. There is a fair amount of sign language used throughout the film accompanied by subtitles, but none of it includes offensive language.
Intensity
What this movie saves on in language, it makes up for in intensity. This film will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation and moral quandaries.
Be prepared for more than a few jump scares and some difficult “what if” scenarios you may be forced to ask yourself as you watch this film.
In my opinion, this is where “A Quiet Place” shines and makes its mark as a solid horror film, but if intense situations are not for you then this film may not be either.
Conclusion
This film is rated PG-13 for a reason, and I would definitely not recommend this film to anyone younger than 13.
Depending on you and your children's sensitivities this may not be appropriate for some young teens or adults. As always take these recommendations for what they are and choose the entertainment options that are best for you and your family. If you think you're up for a good scare, “A Quiet Place” will give you what you're looking for.
"A Quiet Place" is rated PG-13 for terror and some bloody images.
Language
One good or bad thing about this film depending on how you look at it is there is very little spoken dialogue. The lack of dialogue makes every word spoken out loud a precious commodity, which is not wasted on questionable language.
I can’t think of any uttered word that would offend someone. There is a fair amount of sign language used throughout the film accompanied by subtitles, but none of it includes offensive language.
Intensity
What this movie saves on in language, it makes up for in intensity. This film will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation and moral quandaries.
Be prepared for more than a few jump scares and some difficult “what if” scenarios you may be forced to ask yourself as you watch this film.
In my opinion, this is where “A Quiet Place” shines and makes its mark as a solid horror film, but if intense situations are not for you then this film may not be either.
Conclusion
This film is rated PG-13 for a reason, and I would definitely not recommend this film to anyone younger than 13.
Depending on you and your children's sensitivities this may not be appropriate for some young teens or adults. As always take these recommendations for what they are and choose the entertainment options that are best for you and your family. If you think you're up for a good scare, “A Quiet Place” will give you what you're looking for.
"A Quiet Place" is rated PG-13 for terror and some bloody images.
