The parents of the children who were killed in a school shooting years earlier get together for a meeting at an Episcopal church. They are polite with one another at first, but as they sit down to talk, they reveal more about their reasons for coming together. ..
As conversations take place, we learn that all of the people in the town are grieving for their children. However, two people are held to blame for what happened on the fateful school day when the act of atrocity took place. It later transpires that one of their children is the perpetrator of the murders.
The film “A Quiet Place” is a difficult watch. It’s not because of the violence or the gore, but because it deals with difficult subjects such as guilt and responsibility. The characters are all looking for answers to questions that are hard to answer. There is nobody to blame for what happened in this film other than the person who committed the crime, and he is dead. Why did he do what he did? He is unable to answer for himself which is why his parents are held responsible for his actions. ..
In truth, America’s gun problems and the failings of the mental health system are the bigger culprits in this tragedy, but for the parents whose son was killed, it’s easier to focus attention on his parents. Why didn’t they do more to curb his loner behaviour? Why didn’t they pay attention to his actions weeks before the tragedy? Why didn’t they seek to get him more help for his problems? These are just some of the questions that are asked as the emotional tempo rises. ..
The parents of the child who was convicted of the heinous crime of murdering their own child are still trying to come to terms with what happened. The loss of a child is something that no one should have to go through, even when the child is guilty of monstrous behaviour. ..
The film’s tragic narrative is excellent, with all four actors excelling in their roles. The fact that they had to act within very long takes is also an achievement. ..
The director, Kranz, has done an excellent job in capturing the building tensions that occur within the room. The camera is placed on each character at just the right moment, capturing every ounce of emotion that each actor displays.
I had some trouble with the resolution of the meeting in the film. The parents are at loggerheads throughout most of the film, but as the emotions settle, their interaction takes a turn that is expected but not entirely earned. However, on my first viewing, I wasn’t quite convinced about one character’s change of feeling.
This film is powerful and moving, taking place in a church with Christ’s cross hanging just beside them. It is a symbol of the place each character needs to come to, both inwardly and outwardly. Be prepared to have a box of tissues at the ready, because like the grieving parents meeting in that private church room, you are going to need them.
