The Birth of A Quiet Place
John Krasinski, the charming Jim Halpert from The Office, leaped into the world of horror with his 2018 directorial debut, A Quiet Place. The film garnered critical acclaim for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and unique concept. But how did this idea, a near-silent movie about a family struggling to survive in a world with noise-sensitive creatures, come to be? Begin your Quiet Place Journey on Apple TV
In an article for Empire Magazine, Krasinski recounts his initial hesitancy towards directing. He stumbled upon this after adapting a book by David Foster Wallace and needing a director for the project. His co-star Rainn Wilson's offhand suggestion of directing himself sparked a new creative path. This newfound passion came with guiding principles: Krasinski would only direct projects to which he felt a strong connection and believed he was the best person to helm.
Enter A Quiet Place. The script, a Drew Form, and Brad Fuller spec landed on Krasinski's desk while prepping for Jack Ryan. Initially apprehensive about the horror genre, Krasinski became captivated by the one-line pitch: a family who can't make a sound. The concept resonated deeply. Having recently welcomed his second daughter with his wife, Emily Blunt, Krasinski was already in the throes of new parenthood's emotional rollercoaster. He saw the story's potential to transcend horror and become a powerful metaphor for parenthood - a raw exploration of the lengths parents would go to for their children.
Fueled by this newfound meaning, Krasinski dove headfirst into the project. He spent the next few months rewriting the script, churning out pages and pages of ideas. These ideas morphed into scenes, and soon, Krasinski found himself enlisting his secret weapon: his wife. He vividly describes pitching scene after scene to Emily, culminating in a tense silence that left him questioning her reception. However, after a dramatic pause, Emily delivered the verdict he craved: "You need to direct this."
With Emily's support secured, Krasinski called the producers back within 48 hours, not just agreeing to star in the film but also requesting to rewrite and direct it. The project gained momentum quickly. The script was completed in three months, and by January, Krasinski was scouting locations in upstate New York. As fate would have it, they stumbled upon a near-perfect match for his vision - a beautiful 19th-century farm with a farmhouse facing a barn, surrounded by vast crop fields, all mirroring the script's descriptions. Even a nearby waterfall fit seamlessly into the picture. The location wasn't just convenient; it exuded a magical vibe that permeated the entire production. For 90% of the shoot, the cast and crew called this idyllic farm home, fostering a sense of community and immersion in the world of the film.
Casting the film became another crucial step. Krasinski deeply desired to find a deaf actress to portray his on-screen daughter. He wanted someone who could embody the character and help him understand the deaf experience. Millicent Simmonds, a talented young actress, emerged as the perfect fit. Krasinski credits casting director Laura Rosenthal for introducing him to Simmonds, whose previous work had already impressed him. According to Krasinski, the sentiment was mutual; Simmonds delivered a phenomenal performance and proved to be an exceptional human being.
Finding the right actor for his son's role was another stroke of luck. Coincidentally, the week casting began coincided with the SAG awards, where Emily Blunt was nominated for her work in The Girl on the Train. After the ceremony, Krasinski's agent's assistant enthusiastically recommended a young actor named Noah Jupe, even without knowing the specific age requirement for the role. Jupe had impressive credentials, having worked on projects like The Night Manager and Suburbicon. Krasinski reached out to George Clooney, who had directed Jupe in Suburbicon, and received an email echoing the praise for Simmonds: Noah wasn't just a fantastic child actor but one of the best actors Clooney had ever worked with. Jupe's addition to the cast solidified the film's core family unit.
The question of Emily Blunt's involvement remained. While Krasinski had envisioned her in the role, they hesitated to let their real-life relationship overshadow the film's narrative. They had always discussed working together, but the right project hadn't come along until A Quiet Place. During a flight to LA, Krasinski presented Emily with the completed script. Nervous about her reaction, he watched intently as she read. When she approached him, her face held a determined expression, only for her to agree to the script, and a new movie world was born.
From a chance encounter with a script to a meticulously crafted world of silence, A Quiet Place is a testament to collaboration's power. Krasinski's willingness to embrace the unknown, both as a director and a father, resonated with talented actors and a dedicated crew. The result? It was a film that terrified audiences and offered a poignant look at the unwavering strength of family. Now, over six years later, we await A Quiet Place Day One with big hopes ahead. Don't forget to begin your Quiet Place Journey on Apple TV
