I do not like horror movies. They scare me. Until recently, I’ve only watched two in my life: The Haunting of Hill Houseand The Sixth Sense.

Here is a terrifying clip from The Haunting of Hill House. Don’t watch it.

The scariest scene in The Sixth Sense is when kitchen cabinets open by themselves. I’ve never been able to enter a new kitchen without fear rippling down my spine. Will invisible ghosts fling open the cabinets?

When a group of my friends suggested that we watch A Quiet Place, I decided to sit in a chair nearest the door. I thought, “First spooky scene, I’m outta here.”

I wound up happily sitting through the whole movie. Yes, there were plenty of jump scenes. We saw some gore. The alien creatures looked gruesome, like the inner workings of an ear perched on insect legs.

And the scene of Emily Blunt giving birth? That clip should be shown in high school abstinence classes. No cushy birthing suite. No calming music. No scented candles. Lots of body fluids.

Yet, no screaming, because any sound you make, brings trouble. Although these creatures can’t see, they sure can hear. If you happen to be the source of that sound, they arrive out of nowhere and gobble you up. So, everyone needs to keep very, very quiet. No exceptions.

At the onset of the film, the viewer realizes the high stakes in an instant. Hint: don’t get too attached to any of the characters. This initial incident informs the rest of the movie, as each character struggles with feelings of guilt.

As you might imagine, there is little dialogue in this movie. Director John Krasinski, forces you to lean forward and attend to what’s happening. I especially noticed the rich, lovely sounds in the woods that surround the house, the birds, the breeze. It is a bold move to film a movie in this way. The acting has to be good. Fortunately, the acting was absolutely terrific. Emily Blunt communicated paragraphs with a mere raising of an eyebrow. The two older children signed beautifully (one is hearing impaired) and communicated much through their body language. Krasinski did a splendid job directing these fine actors, managing to create a riveting tale that proceeded at a crisp pace.

So, if there are few words, how does one create a backstory? Watch for every visual clue thrown your way. Nothing is wasted in this film. If you see it, it matters. Also, listen closely to the whispered exchanges, they reveal volumes.

What I loved most about the movie is how this family managed to live under this burden and how they loved each other.  I liked how the parents dealt with conflict and how rock solid they were in their loyalty.  I won’t reveal the ending, except to say that it was awful and wonderful all at the same time.

Admittedly, the plot is filled with holes, some gaping. However, we viewers don’t know much of the backstory.  If we knew more details, maybe the plot would make more sense. Maybe not. My advice is to suspend your credulity and enjoy the redemptive tale and the phenomenal acting.