In the bustling heart of New York City, silence becomes the deadliest sound. Lupita Nyong'o fearlessly tackles horror as Sam in the latest thriller, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” where a mere whisper could spell your demise. As alien creatures with ultrasonic hearing turn the city that never sleeps into a nightmarish game of hide and seek, Nyong'o's performance promises to be a masterclass in suspense and survival. This third installment of the franchise promises to deliver heart-pounding suspense and emotion. Nyong'o brings her unique strength and vulnerability to the role, ensuring that Sam is a character audiences will root for. Joined by co-star Joseph Quinn, the film explores the terror of silence in a city that never sleeps.

Off-screen, both Nyong'o and Quinn cherish moments of solitude amidst their intense filming schedules. Nyong'o's sanctuary is her new home in Topanga. “It is serene, and you can hear the wind and some cows in the distance,” she describes, contrasting sharply with her character's chaotic and perilous world. On the other side of the Atlantic, Quinn finds peace in his flat in South London. His balcony, basked in sunshine, and a small garden with an ice bath provide him a retreat from the demands of his career. “It’s very tranquil there,” he notes, highlighting the balance they both seek between their professional and personal lives.

Nyong'o has long been a beacon of diversity in Hollywood. Her journey from Nairobi to the global stage has been marked by groundbreaking roles. Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, Nyong'o was raised in Kenya. She holds a degree from Hampshire College and a master's degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama. Her career skyrocketed with her Academy Award-winning performance in “12 Years a Slave,” making her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar. Nyong'o's venture into horror is part of a broader movement that sees more Black actors taking on prominent roles in the genre. "We want to stay alive," she jokes, acknowledging the historically marginalized presence of Black actors in horror films. "The tide has changed. I feel very lucky to be able to contribute to the diversity of cinema today. It's nice to see us in new spaces, both in front and behind the camera, and being a part of the global conversation."

In “A Quiet Place: Day One,” there's a powerful scene where Sam and Eric scream out in frustration. This moment resonated with Nyong'o, who humorously wishes she could scream about the lack of air conditioning. "I like it hot, even when I go to bed. I want it warm all the time. I'm from the equator and I prefer it that way," she laughs. Quinn, in contrast, desires more air conditioning, showcasing their differing preferences even in trivial matters. This playful banter reflects a shared camaraderie that transcends their on-screen terror.

Nyong'o has expressed a desire to explore genres beyond drama, particularly romantic comedies and comedies. If her present love life were a romantic comedy, she imagines it would be called “Maybe Someday.” She dreams of casting Yahya Abdul Mateen II as her co-star, envisioning a film that blends humor, romance, and the rich cultural narratives she cherishes. This desire to diversify her roles speaks to her broader ambition to break stereotypes and push boundaries within the film industry.

Her Instagram often showcases the rich culture and history of various African countries. Her upbringing in Kenya and her subsequent experiences traveling and connecting with her heritage have deeply influenced her worldview. "When I was growing up, I found myself consuming way more information about the world outside of Africa than about Africa itself," she recalls. Attending a British system school, she knew more about the River Thames than the Nairobi River. Her move to the United States intensified her homesickness and desire to reconnect with Africa. "The place I want to visit the most is other African countries. In America, there was this idea that we were some sort of monolith and all had the same mentality. I've made a point to go back as much as possible, and any opportunity to visit a new African country, I will take it." Through her travels, she has discovered the immense diversity across the continent and delights in sharing these experiences with her followers, hoping to challenge and change global perceptions of Africa.

Nyong'o and Quinn's performances in “A Quiet Place: Day One” are set to captivate audiences, blending intense suspense with profound emotional depth. As Nyong'o continues to break barriers and champion diversity in Hollywood, her work inspires and resonates globally. You can see Lupita exploring different African countries on her Instagram and head to theaters on Thursday, June 27th, to see her in the new thriller "A Quiet Place: Day One."