New Releases: A Quiet Place: Day One, A Family Affair, and The Vourdalak

A review of three new films, including A Quiet Place: Day One, A Family Affair, and The Vourdalak.
New Releases: A Quiet Place: Day One, A Family Affair, and The Vourdalak
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

A Quiet Place: Day One - A Prequel that Falls Short

The latest installment in the A Quiet Place franchise, Day One, has finally arrived, but unfortunately, it fails to live up to the hype. The film, set on the island of Manhattan, follows the story of Lupita Nyong’o’s character, Samira, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world overrun by aliens. While the film has its moments, it ultimately falls short of expectations.

A Quiet Place: Day One

The stakes in Day One are surprisingly low, given the high-octane action of the previous films. The aliens, which were once a terrifying force, now seem more like a nuisance than a threat. The film’s jump-scare moments are few and far between, and the tension is often broken by awkward humor.

One of the few bright spots in the film is the performance of Lupita Nyong’o, who brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to her character. Her cat, Frodo, is also a standout, providing some much-needed comic relief in an otherwise dull film.

The film’s sound design is also noteworthy, with the alien creatures’ stomping gait sounding like a herd of elephants. However, these small victories are not enough to save the film from its overall lack of excitement.

A Family Affair - A Rom-Com that Fails to Deliver

A Family Affair, the latest romantic comedy to hit Netflix, promises much but delivers little. The film follows the story of Brooke, a middle-aged woman who falls for a younger man, Chris, a self-absorbed movie star. The film’s attempts at humor are forced, and the romance is unconvincing.

A Family Affair

The film’s biggest problem is its predictable plot, which follows every rom-com cliche in the book. The characters are paper-thin, with Chris coming across as a selfish, entitled brat. The film’s attempts at humor are often cringe-worthy, and the dialogue is stilted and unnatural.

The Vourdalak - A Gothic Horror Fable

The Vourdalak, a new horror film streaming on Netflix, is a proudly old-fashioned Gothic fable with a sense of humor. The film tells the story of Marquis d’Urfé, a man who takes refuge in a mysterious manor house, only to find himself embroiled in a dark and sinister plot.

The Vourdalak

The film’s atmosphere is eerie and unsettling, with a sense of foreboding that permeates every scene. The special effects are cleverly done, with a marionette creature that is both terrifying and hilarious. The film’s sense of humor is also noteworthy, with a deliciously twisted sex scene that is both shocking and amusing.

Overall, The Vourdalak is a standout horror film that is well worth watching. Its sense of atmosphere and tension is expertly crafted, and its sense of humor is a welcome respite from the usual horror cliches.