It’s not a sequel nor is it a reboot. In 2010, J.J. Abrams produced the movie, Cloverfield. It was about an alien attack on America. Is it possible that his new movie 10 Cloverfield Lane is attached somehow to the original? 10 Cloverfield Lane is a mystery, thriller story.
Release Date: March 11, 2016
Writer: Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, Damien Chazelle
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr.
10 Cloverfield Lane is one of those movies that is best no talked (or written) about in depth. The less you know that better. The movie works best as a mysterious story that gets better as it unfolds. At the same time, it reduces its repeat value.
After getting into an accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) awakens in an underground bomb shelter. Her wounds have been bandaged by the mysterious Norman (John Goodman). Also in the bunker is Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), Norman’s neighbor who helped build the bunker. Michelle is told that the earth has come under an attack and condition above ground are toxic.
The film is about the mysterious circumstances. Is Norman telling the truth about the earth? Is he really just trying to be a hospitable host? Who is Emmett and why does he trust Norman?
The film is essentially told from Michelle’s point of view. She knows nothing of her situation and her predicament. Information is slowly revealed and the pieces of the puzzle are assembled at the right time and the right pace. What makes this a good thriller is that you are along for the ride from beginning to end and you are on the edge of your seat.
John Goodman is fantastic as Norman. You never really trust him, but he somehow manages to come off as authentic. John Gallagher Jr. brings the just needed levity in an incredibly tense situation. It will keep you guessing from beginning to end. As the heroine, Michelle, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays the average person and you, as the viewer, easily slip into her role. You can’t help but wonder what you would do next and who do you really trust. Then to finally ask yourself, what the hell is going on.
10 Cloverfield Lane is a mystery, thriller from writers Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, and Damien Chazelle. Director Dan Trachtenberg sets the right tone and pacing to keep the mystery alive considering most of the movie takes placed in a small confined space.
7 out of 10