Rashid’s review published on Letterboxd:
Honestly, this sequel might’ve just outdone the original in terms of sheer intensity. Krasinski expands the world we got a glimpse of in the first movie, and the tension is still 'through the roof'. The way it kicks off with that flashback to the early days of the invasion is so good, instantly pulling you back into that nail-biting vibe. It’s like the stakes are even higher this time surviving isn’t just about being quiet, it’s about fighting back.
Emily Blunt is once again incredible, but it’s really the way they’ve built the character arcs for the kids that stood out to me. Millicent Simmonds (Regan) takes center stage here and her character is given so much depth her journey feels emotional but also badass in all the right ways. Cillian Murphy is a great addition to the cast, bringing some much-needed complexity to the group dynamic and I honestly would’ve liked to see more of him.
What I really appreciate is how the movie doesn’t just play off the same tricks it deepens the world-building, and I’m here for that. That said, there’s a part where it starts to feel like they’re 'really' stretching the premise (the whole “finding the solution” plotline) and it takes away from the raw survival horror I loved in the first. Still, the world’s still tight, the tension’s still high and the payoff is enough to make it worth the ride. Definitely a solid sequel, but I’m hoping the next one goes deeper.
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