Cinema retains its letters of nobility and this, despite a production industry that is struggling to renew itself. Even if we find very good surprises in recent years, we see similar patterns on several horror films… Concepts already seen, sloppy scenarios… In short, it becomes difficult to find original horror. However, director John Krasinski landed with Sans un bruit, a horror film with a brilliant concept.
In a devastated world, a family tries to survive an invisible threat. All we know is that silence is the golden rule, at the risk of being devoured by this omnipresent but totally invisible threat. The premise of this film is extremely interesting and goes back to the basis of the effective horror film: silence. It is true that what we do not see and what we hear is always more frightening because it is increased tenfold by the power of the imagination. Since the mysterious threats eventually show up, it is really at the beginning of the film that the threat is palpable and the most frightening.
A chilling atmosphere and a deadly silence
The film lasts on few things in the end: a silent atmosphere that keeps us in suspense and makes us fear only one thing, namely the noise! And yes, in this world where the slightest sound is synonymous with imminent death, the viewer will be terrified to hear the slightest noise that could kill the protagonists. We become paranoid at the idea of hearing the slightest sound, we shudder at the slightest whisper… The atmosphere is therefore chilling and many times, you may be hung in your seat.
Obviously, this atmosphere does not make the whole film. The director is John Krasinski, who is best known for his acting career, with appearances in Detroit and some voice acting as for The Wind Rises. Today, he lends himself to directing for his third film that will surely allow him to take off.And although he is more of an actor than a director, John Krasinski brings a real interesting staging. Nothing very original certainly, but his use of plans is intelligent and at the service of the story.But if we have to remember him for this film, it is especially for his role as an actor! Because yes, the director also wears the actor's hat since he plays the father of the family (or the lookalike of Vincent Tirel from Golden Moustache, as you wish) but manages very well to manage both tasks. He perfectly plays the role of protective father, ready to do anything to save his family but is helped by the other actors of the film who are up to the task.We will not talk here about children who, although they remain rather correct, are not up to the performances of John Krasinski and especially Emily Blunt who assumes the role of a pregnant mother, desperately trying to educate and watch over her children in this apocalyptic world.
The film is therefore strong, powerful, brutal and will not leave you indifferent to the noise, the silence but also and especially to the fear generated by them. Although it seems like a simple horror film, Sans un Bruit is also a film that connects our innermost fears with the fear that people who are deaf or hard of hearing may feel. Thanks to the character of the eldest daughter who is deaf, we understand her main fear: that of hearing the slightest noise. Refusing any help from her father, she wants to stay in this world of silence where she can flee reality… And we are in turn terrorized by the slightest noise of the film. Every sigh, every rustle gives us cold sweats and the noise becomes a fear that extends even to the exit of the room where you will not be insensitive to the noise.
In short, Sans un bruit is an ambitious horror film that is complex to fully analyze. Despite a somewhat sloppy and perhaps too fast ending, John Krasinski's film is a must see in theaters because it is made for this silent atmosphere so particular cinemas. A sequel is planned but let's be honest, the film is enough on its own and seeing a sequel to this film would be a bad idea… In short, Sans un Bruit is a horror film that dares and does a lot of good to the genre.
