A relentless exercise in nerve-shredding, high-wire tension, A Quiet Place Part II takes everything great about the first film and cranks it up to eleven, even if its horrifying monsters lose some of their mystique. Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe return to their roles with visceral potency, and Cillian Murphy’s signature intensity makes a fine addition to the cast. Minor spoilers ahead...

The directorial sci-fi debut of filmmaker Andrew Patterson transcends its genre trappings and micro-budget to deliver a gripping investigative yarn. Bolstered by two magnetic lead performances and a refreshing directorial prowess, The Vast of Night is a lo-fi narrative driven by dialogue and chemistry. Its bare-bones story is ultimately a deflated endeavor, but its human element is so charming that its thin plot can easily be overlooked. Minor spoilers ahead…