Moviegoers are finding a new hero to root for in “A Quiet Place: Day One”: Frodo the cat. This isn’t just any cat; director Michael Sarnoski made sure Frodo felt like a genuine character in the film. In a remarkable move for a creature-feature, Sarnoski proudly states, “We managed to get through the whole movie without creating a CG cat, which was a big victory for us.” Instead, the Cast Of A Quiet Place Day One Cat, Frodo, is brought to life by two talented feline actors, Schnitzel and Nico.
“Day One” plunges audiences into the terrifying origins of the “Quiet Place” saga. This third installment revisits the day the deadly alien creatures, known as Death Angels, descended upon New York City, and swiftly, the rest of the world. These beings hunt by sound, making even the slightest noise a potential death sentence.
The Real Frodos: Schnitzel and Nico
Frodo isn’t just a cute sidekick; he’s integral to the story. He belongs to Samira, played by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. Frodo is introduced as Samira’s service animal, initially seen on a leash. He accompanies Samira on a fateful trip to New York City. What begins as a visit to the theater turns into a desperate fight for survival when the alien invasion begins. Samira’s primary goal shifts to survival, and ensuring Frodo’s safety becomes a crucial part of her journey.
Joseph Quinn and Lupita Nyong'o escaping with Frodo the cat in A Quiet Place Day One
Why a Cat? The Director’s Choice
In an interview with Variety, director Sarnoski elaborated on the specific choice of a cat as Samira’s companion. He explained the practicality behind it: “A cat is one of the only things that you might be able to manage, maybe a bunny rabbit, but a dog would not do very well,” highlighting the self-sufficient and quiet nature of cats compared to other pets in a post-apocalyptic scenario.
A Quiet Cat in a Quiet Place
As Samira navigates the chaos, she encounters Eric (Joseph Quinn). While Samira and Eric grapple with survival strategies, Frodo, true to feline nature, occasionally wanders off. These moments inject palpable tension as audiences watch the cat narrowly avoid becoming a victim of the sound-sensitive creatures.
Interestingly, Frodo’s behavior changes drastically after the attack commences. Before the invasion, typical cat meows are audible. However, once the reality of their situation sets in, Frodo becomes remarkably silent. He doesn’t meow for food or make unnecessary sounds. Sarnoski’s research into feline behavior informed this detail. He noted that meowing is largely a communication tool cats use with humans. In an apocalyptic world devoid of consistent human interaction, the need for meowing diminishes.
Furthermore, Frodo’s training as a service animal plays a role in his quiet demeanor. Sarnoski reasoned, “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. So when a cat saw these creatures operating, they’re like, ‘I get you, I’m going to just kind of keep it down.’” This adds another layer of depth to Frodo’s character within the cast of A Quiet Place Day One cat.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Cat Fear and Bond
Off-screen, Schnitzel and Nico were model professionals. Sarnoski remarked on their on-set behavior, “These two cats got along and would hang out all day.”
Lupita Nyong'o as Samira with Frodo the cat in A Quiet Place Day One
However, Lupita Nyong’o faced a personal challenge: a lifelong fear of cats. To authentically portray Samira’s bond with Frodo, she underwent extensive exposure therapy. “Paramount was kind enough to hire a cat trainer to meet me before I got to the production and helped me get over my fear, just through exposure and asking questions, [like] ‘Why is that cat rubbing himself on that furniture like that?’” Nyong’o shared. This process allowed her to gradually overcome her phobia, progressing from hesitant interactions to eventually holding the cats.
Her experience on set had a heartwarming conclusion. By the end of filming, Nyong’o had not only conquered her fear but had also developed a genuine affection for cats, so much so that she adopted her own cat named Yoyo.
Frodo, played by Schnitzel and Nico, is more than just a pet in “A Quiet Place: Day One”; he’s a character who adds emotional depth and realism to the terrifying world, proving that even in the face of monstrous threats, a quiet feline can be a true hero.
