In a surprising twist for the horror genre, the breakout star of “A Quiet Place: Day One” isn’t a terrifying alien or a human survivor, but a cat named Frodo. The latest installment in the hit franchise, directed by Michael Sarnoski, has garnered attention not only for its thrilling plot but also for its innovative use of live animal actors and the personal journey of its lead actress, Lupita Nyong’o.
Set on the day when sound-sensitive aliens invade Earth, the film follows Samira (Nyong’o) and her service cat, Frodo, as they navigate a suddenly silent and dangerous New York City. Sarnoski made the bold decision to use real cats instead of CGI, casting feline actors Schnitzel and Nico to portray Frodo.
“We managed to get through the whole movie without creating a CG cat, which was a big victory for us,” Sarnoski told Variety. This choice adds authenticity to the film and creates genuine tension as Frodo navigates close encounters with the alien threat.
The director’s research into feline behavior influenced the portrayal of Frodo. Sarnoski explained that cats’ meowing is often a learned behavior for human interaction. In the context of the alien invasion, he envisioned Frodo adapting quickly, becoming silent like the predator he is. “Game recognizes game,” Sarnoski noted, describing how Frodo might relate to the aliens’ stealthy nature.
Perhaps the most compelling behind-the-scenes story involves Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Samira. Nyong’o revealed on “CBS Mornings” that she had a lifelong fear of cats before taking on this role. “I’ve been terrified of cats my entire life,” she admitted. “I wouldn’t be in a room with a cat, I would cry… I just found them suspicious.”
To prepare for her role, Nyong’o underwent extensive exposure therapy. Paramount hired a cat trainer to work with her before production began, slowly acclimating her to feline presence. “Very slowly, I was able to grow with courage and touch them and before long, I could hold them,” Nyong’o explained.
The actress’s journey from feline-phobic to cat lover is as dramatic as any on-screen transformation. By the end of production, Nyong’o had not only overcome her fear but had fallen in love with her feline co-stars. This newfound affection led her to adopt an orange tabby named Yoyo, whom she credits with helping her heal from a recent breakup.
“I never understood people whose phones were full of photos and videos of their pets — now I am one of those people!” Nyong’o shared on social media. “It may look like I saved Yoyo, but really, Yoyo is saving me.”
“A Quiet Place: Day One” is now playing in theaters and is projected to have the franchise’s strongest opening weekend at the domestic box office. The film’s success, coupled with the heartwarming story of its star’s personal growth, demonstrates that even in the realm of horror, there’s room for unexpected connections and transformative experiences.
