Upamanyu Biswas
In Michael Sarnoski’s horror film ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ a cancer patient named Sam struggles to survive in an apocalyptic New York City after alien forces invade Earth. Luckily, the protagonist isn’t left alone in her quest as her beloved cat, Frodo, keeps her company and is a constant source of warmth and comfort through difficult times. The two share a bond that goes beyond the norm, owing to Sam’s health issues and detachment from worldly concerns. Frodo is the only thing she genuinely cares for, almost to the point that she values the feline’s life over hers. Thus, with alien predators on the prowl, the fate of Frodo becomes intrinsically linked to Sam’s efforts to survive, shaping the conclusion of the narrative! SPOILERS AHEAD.
Frodo Survives the Invasion But Parts With His Owner
After the alien attack on New York City begins, Sam’s survival mission extends beyond self-preservation as the life of her cat, Frodo, means almost as much to her because of their special bond. Therefore, when Sam grudgingly teams up with Eric, an English law student who starts following the two, she reasons that he and Frodo should have a lease of life that she is not privy to due to her cancer diagnosis. Consequently, at the end of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ when the choice arises, Sam decides to distract the aliens while Eric and Frodo make a run for the boat carrying survivors. The two manage to board the ship, ensuring the cat’s survival before Sam sacrifices herself.
Michael Sarnoski confirmed that Frodo and Eric escape from the aliens without a doubt. “I think they [Frodo and Eric made it out alive]. They earned it. I’d like to imagine that they’re safe somewhere, whether it’s on the island or elsewhere. They found a little bit of peace — for now,” the filmmaker told Variety. Throughout the narrative, Frodo is put in situations of jeopardy, only to be rescued by either Eric or Sam. However, despite his constant brush with danger, the feline is also a cunning creature capable of reasoning about the tracking methods used by the aliens.
In another Variety interview, Sarnoski explained, “A lot of [meowing] is put on as a way of communicating with humans. So, I thought it’d be interesting in the apocalypse, that if there weren’t really people around, there’s not as much of a need for a cat to meow.” The filmmaker highlighted Frodo’s past training as a service animal, giving him a greater sense of obedience to survive the aliens. He added, “I figured he was very obedient. If Sam said, ‘Be quiet,’ he would. Cats can be extremely quiet. They’re predators, they can stop and move very silently, and I figured, game recognizes game.”
As Sarnoski mentioned, Frodo doesn’t survive because of Sam alone. There are several instances in the film where he realizes the gravity of the threat in front of him and become a noiseless, disciplined animal to eventually “earn” his survival. “[…] when a cat saw these creatures operating, they’re like, ‘I get you, I’m going to just kind of keep it down,'” Sarnoski said in the same Variety interview. Despite the nervous moments when the cat wanders off to sate his curiosity, he is ultimately a clever animal capable of distinguishing when his life is in danger and when it is not.
At the film’s end, a horde of aliens chases down Eric and Frodo as the former runs down the pier, looking to jump into the water. The cat remains perfectly calm in Eric’s arms despite the tense scene, illustrating his awareness of the predicament. Despite the threat of more disturbing creatures around him, Frodo can understand and adapt to his situation. Unfortunately, as he swims towards the ship, he leaves behind Sam, who entrusts the cat’s well-being and caregiving with Eric, confirming the feline’s survival while parting ways with his beloved owner.
Read More: A Quiet Place: Is Little Firs an Actual Hospice in New York City?
