ASIDE from the continuing popularity and success of superhero movies, horror has returned to being the creative and profitable genre that it was in the late 70s and most of the 80s.

With the latest resurgence in popularity being spearheaded by the success of films such as Get Out, Split and IT, this has shown the final product has also vastly improved, meaning these films aren’t just the cheap fright vehicles they once were.

But it is important to keep the genre fresh, and I am delighted to say that this is exactly what A Quiet Place does. This is the most unique, blood-tingling thrill ride of the genre I have seen in quite some time.

The year is 2020 and the world has been overrun by monsters. However, these creatures are only attracted to prey by sound. This follows one family’s journey as they live in these silent conditions and try and survive.

The catch? The movie for big portions is in complete silence, and it really adds to the overall experience. The score is pulsating and the creature noises are terrifying but it’s the long segments which are completely quiet which really makes the film work. You could hear a pin drop in the cinema and you’re enticed in this family’s journey the entire way.

There are a few more plot developments which are sadly ruined in the film’s final trailer, but I thankfully avoided this before seeing the movie and I’m so glad I did as it really added to my enjoyment of the film. I highly recommend avoiding the main trailer if you haven’t already. These plot points won’t be spoiled or mentioned here.

It can be predictable at times, but it’s also a film of great risk and there are a lot of moments which are unexpected but are warranted and absolutely work.

John Krasinski and his real life wife Emily Blunt play the lead parents and both are outstanding. Krasinski is fantastic as this father who will do anything to save his family no matter the cost and Emily Blunt continues to show why she is one of the best actresses working today. Both go through hell, Blunt especially, and they show emotion of the highest order.

Krasinski also directed and co-wrote the script and has really surprised me here. Not only is it terrifying, it’s also incredibly beautiful. The action and set-pieces are well shot and the scenery throughout is gorgeous in this bleak near-future dynamic of our world in ruins.

It’s a horror movie first and foremost, yet it’s also a movie of family and their survival in these desperate conditions. It’s a sharp script, one which develops and makes you care for every character.

It was also surprisingly warm, with the family stuff really hitting home and adding an emotional element which I did not expect. Krasinski has really managed to nail both the thrills and the characters to really make this an impressive beast of a movie.

The only real criticism I can give this movie was that I was a little unconvinced by some of the character's decisions. It usually leads to something exciting but I couldn’t help but feel that it wouldn’t happen under these circumstances.

The ending will also turn a few heads, but I thought it was a cool and refreshing ending, teasing an almost certain sequel.

With characters we truly care about, expertly acted by a game cast, along with some of the most tension filled scenes in recent cinema means Krasinski is now a name to watch out for in front and behind the camera.

Above all else, this is a very clever movie. It handles the plot with smart attitudes and doesn’t shy away from showing us the monsters from the outset, which I found a real positive as so many films fail to do this. Its breezy 90 minute run time will fly by.

A Quiet Place is not just one of the best horrors you will see in 2018, but one of the best movies of 2018.

Verdict: This is nerve-shredding, edge of your seat tension throughout in this unique and hugely impressive horror.

Best Moment: The entire middle act involving Emily Blunt and her predicament was nothing short of spectacular.

Rating: 9/10