10 Cloverfield Lane

7

ReelViews94Mar 23, 2016

When J.J. Abrams released Cloverfield in 2008, it arrived cloaked in secrecy. Now, some eight years later, the film’s so-called “blood relative” (Abrams’ term, not mine), comes with a similar marketing strategy. Going-in, viewers are unlikelyWhen J.J. Abrams released Cloverfield in 2008, it arrived cloaked in secrecy. Now, some eight years later, the film’s so-called “blood relative” (Abrams’ term, not mine), comes with a similar marketing strategy. Going-in, viewers are unlikely to be certain what to expect and, emerging, they might not be quite sure exactly what they witnessed. The problems with 10 Cloverfield Lane result from attempts to tie it, however tenuously, to the earlier movie. Take away the disappointing, disjointed, and anti-climactic final act, and this is an effective white-knuckle psychological thriller. And, although the final 15 minutes don’t ruin the movie, they detract from its better parts.

The premise is simple: following a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) awakens to find herself chained to a wall in what appears to be a basement. She soon learns that she has been brought to this place by the hulking, rather scary Howard (John Goodman), for her “own good.” The basement is actually a doomsday bunker with three occupants: survivalist Howard; his former handyman, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.); and Michelle, whom Howard rescued from her smashed car. In the outside world, all is not well. According to Howard, apocalyptic events have occurred. His plan is for the three of them to shelter in place and wait it out until things are safe. Michelle thinks he’s crazy. Emmett isn’t so certain.

By using double-bluffs and red herrings, director Dan Trachtenberg crafts a claustrophobic psychological thriller that hums along nicely. Hitchcockian misdirection abounds. From moment-to-moment we’re never quite sure who (or what) Howard really is: a lonely savior whose paranoia has been validated or a creepy kidnapper acting out a twisted delusion? Is the situation outside the bunker real or a figment of Howard’s warped mind? Did “the Ruskies” attack? Or aliens? Or nothing at all? Perhaps Howard faked the mutilations of some pigs to “prove” that the air isn’t safe? So many questions… At times, 10 Cloverfield Lane has a similar vibe as the TV series Lost which, not coincidentally, was produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions.

While keeping us guessing, 10 Cloverfield Lane provides several nail-biting scenes. Sound is an important part of how the tension is amplified - every noise is loud and the insistent musical score throbs. 10 Cloverfield Lane doesn’t employ “found footage” like the original Cloverfield. Camera movement is smooth and clean and the shots are composed to emphasize how cramped and uncomfortable the limited space is. The movie is presented from Michelle’s perspective and its tone varies with her mood. Her opinion of Howard and the situation changes frequently and the film reflects that. There’s even a goofy musical montage that shows the three companions playing board games and putting together puzzles like any “normal” family.

Winstead is a good choice to play the heroine because she’s strong yet feminine. (She previously appeared as Bruce Willis’ daughter in the fourth Die Hard film and as the lead in the prequel to John Carptenter’s The Thing.) John Goodman is a perfect Howard - Goodman has the rare talent of being able to play both a cuddly, likeable guy and a frighteningly dangerous one. In 10 Cloverfield Lane, he’s asked to do both.

The film’s failing is that, in linking it to Cloverfield, it abandons the elements that made the majority of the movie effective. The final fifteen minutes don’t work as a way to wrap up this story or as an introduction to a larger (generic) canvas. They feel tacked-on and rushed. Nevertheless, as weak as the conclusion may be, it doesn’t obfuscate the good things to precede it. 10 Cloverfield Lane is packed with suspense and tension and offers some of the best bait-and-switch work of any recent psychological thriller. It’s easy to forgive any missteps toward the end when considering the entire package.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

9

MrJimmyApr 16, 2016

If you were planning on watching this film hoping to get answer to all the questions you have had since watching Cloverfield, this film will disappoint you as it has none. This film does have something much better than answer though, evenIf you were planning on watching this film hoping to get answer to all the questions you have had since watching Cloverfield, this film will disappoint you as it has none. This film does have something much better than answer though, even more questions! The film starts of with Mary Elizabeth Winstead character Michelle running away from her life before being run off the road and waking up in a bunker occupied by Howard (John Goodman), who claims to have brought her there to wade out the apparent attack on the country. Also in the bunker is Emmett (John Gallagher Jr) who says he there for protection. But through several twist and turns you start to question the nature of Michelle situation, the Motivation behind her abduction and the fate of the world above the bunker. As each new revelation into what is happening is revealed the tension grows and grows. John Goodman plays his role as dooms day prepper, conspiracy nut brilliantly. The film constantly makes you re-evaluate your opinion of him going from a nut to, good Samaritan who has your sympathy, to possible someone much sinister. The film however lies mainly on the shoulders of Mary Winstead as it is through her eyes the audience watches the film and she is excellent through out. Michelle is a thoroughly engaging and resourceful character who you are one hundred percent routing for from start to finish. Emmett is also well played and will have you hoping he makes it out okay as well as being a brilliant friend for Michelle and source of irritation for Howard. The ending is as tense as the rest of the film and shows of the how bad ass Michelle is whilst adding so much more to what intrigue to what Cloverfield is and what is to come next. All round the movie is superb and as much as I hope all this will be explained, having it be what it is and making no sense with no context to what is happening is equally as entertaining.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

CarFan1999Aug 12, 2016

10 Cloverfield Lane has an interesting backstory. With the trailer coming out so soon before release and little known about the story, I went in knowing little of what to expect. Well, 10 Cloverfield Lane turns out to be a great, unique10 Cloverfield Lane has an interesting backstory. With the trailer coming out so soon before release and little known about the story, I went in knowing little of what to expect. Well, 10 Cloverfield Lane turns out to be a great, unique movie.

The story of a woman ending up inside a bunker to what seems like an abduction turns into something much more unique and original. Is this an abduction or is there an outside attack? The best part of the story is the vast amount of twists and turns. When the story seems to be going in one direction, the plot suddenly twists to something else that would question what just happened before. Information, plot details, and backstories are inferred, not plainly told. Because of this, the story is very investing and leaves the audience guessing as to what will happen next. Things that didn't seem logical before became logical and vice- versa. The tension is high and there are some jump- scare moments. Another great thing about the story is how original the whole thing is. There's nothing else like it and the unique plot plays off well.

The acting is also very good as John Goodman pulls a fantastic performance in addition to everyone else. However, there are two major issues. First, while the music score is nice, it's also quite overbearing and falsely hypes up the tension. In addition, the pacing is a bit uneven. There are a few dead spots where nothing much happens and it sucks away some investment from the story. All in all, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a highly original film with great acting, plenty of plot twists, and lots of tension; all wrapped up in an engrossing story.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

HappyislandsJan 10, 2017

10 Cloverfield Lane’s greatest strength is the performances from the three lead actors – John Goodman in particular, who gives a career best performance. I do think the ending, whilst not a total let down, could have been better crafted. It10 Cloverfield Lane’s greatest strength is the performances from the three lead actors – John Goodman in particular, who gives a career best performance. I do think the ending, whilst not a total let down, could have been better crafted. It does however, provide an added dimension to the film.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

8

keanexAug 9, 2016

Forget about the original film Cloverfield. Just do it.

Okay. Now that you've forgotten about it we can talk about 10 Cloverfield Lane - a thriller/mystery that is phenomenally acted. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie wonderingForget about the original film Cloverfield. Just do it.

Okay. Now that you've forgotten about it we can talk about 10 Cloverfield Lane - a thriller/mystery that is phenomenally acted. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie wondering what events would unfold, a roller coaster for sure. I felt the ending was weak, but everything leading up to it was phenomenal.

Very much hoping they continue this story.… Expand