10 Cloverfield Lane Movie Review

Released: March 18^th 2016 (UK)

Length: 103 minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher.

As the spiritual successor or “blood relative” to 2008’s surprise hit, 10 Cloverfield Lane returns the franchise to the big screen. It makes use of a vastly different focus but the results are every bit as nail-biting and well produced as they were eight years ago.

From the outset, 10 CL preserves a cryptic tone as we’re deposited right into the perspective of Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who is heading to an undisclosed location. After getting into a deadly road accident, Michelle awakens in an underground bunker under the care of Howard Stambler (John Goodman) and fellow resident Emmet Dewitt (John Gallagher). Stambler informs her that the surface is now uninhabitable, the air having been poisoned by a hostile force. Is it a biological weapon or a nuclear strike? Nobody knows and just as the central protagonist is subjected to the mystery, so too is the audience and that’s what makes the film so enticing. Where the original Cloverfield relied mostly on the pure, unadulterated chaos of a giant monster, here the threat turns inwards with precision, both physically with the claustrophobic setting and psychologically with the sparring between characters. Things gradually become more and more uneasy as Michelle’s suspicions rise and the film keeps a constant concentration on this single plot thread; with no interruptions or side notes to keep track of, 10 Cloverfield Lane maintains an unyielding grip on the rising tensions as the truths emerge from the shadows in an exhilarating climax. It’s a tightly compressed and unwavering narrative all the way through.

The film has a tiny cast, but all three actors inject an exquisite amount of detail into their roles. Taking place almost entirely within the bunker, the three characters give some personal insight into their backstories and all have their own personal traits. Michelle is placed under a great deal of stress, but she’s far from helpless and her sheer resourcefulness and will power compels the audience to care for her character. John Goodman is also excellent as Howard; saying too much about his performance would risk spoiling things, but know that he seamlessly captures the feel of a “fractured” man. Lastly there’s John Gallagher as Emmet who honestly feels like a side attraction when compared to the other two. He still receives plenty of development, but feels a little pedestrian as a result.

The basic setting gives way to a simplistic framing that keeps the action where it should be; on the characters. Close and medium shots are used sparingly to get across the emotions on the three characters, particularly the apprehension shown by Michelle and Emmet. The soundtrack by Bear Mccreary is a very important part of the presentation in that it carries an immense irony, being split into two categories; classical tracks such as “I think we’re alone now” and “Tell him” seem to carry an upbeat and cheerful mood, which stands at a stark contrast to the predicament of remaining underground. On the other hand we have foreboding, almost sinister tracks which add to the film’s grand enigmas, drawing the viewer in even deeper. The nervous atmosphere crafted here is both palpable and omnipresent.

10 Cloverfield Lane is tense, uncomfortably tense; it rips the franchise out of its long hiatus and slithers back into theatres with a sly and extremely capable composition. The standout performances are worthwhile enough but the fact that it’s another fantastic contribution to the Cloverfield franchise makes it even more inviting. Be prepared for powerful thrills you won’t find anywhere else this year.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars