Michael Sarnoski directs Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn and the cats Schnitzel & Nico in this sci-fi horror prequel where one small sound brings down a horde of hungry aliens upon you.

Hey I’m in New York. I’ve got a cat let’s go to a Broadway show. Only about midway through I recognised a second London street corner fronting for the Big Apple. Not that this matters. Switching the alien invasion tension cranker to a still populated, debris shattered urban labyrinth adds massive obstacles to the heightened set pieces. Bunging a cute but oblivious cat into the mix is just bastardry of the highest level. My little Bill Clay is an obsessive noisemaker who would have us dead within minutes. This cat is a bit more chill, but only a bit. Nyong’o is very heartfelt and captivating as the vulnerable but determined lead on a side mission while everyone else is clambering to survive. Just like Michael Sarnoski’s Pig there are quirky character beats, soulful moments of humanity and a studied unpredictability that makes this sing. His visual style is very tactile, intimate. He even delivers an amazing horror set piece in a flooded subway tunnel…. And is smart enough to film a few alternate takes so there are red herrings in the much seen trailer. Best franchise blockbuster of the summer so far.

8

Perfect Double Bill: A Quiet Place (2018)

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