'10 Cloverfield Lane' Review

In 10 Cloverfield Lane an aspiring fashion designer has a few quibbles with her fiancé and runs away. In her frantic getaway, she is involved in a car accident and awakens in a mysterious underground bunker and supposedly everyone above ground has been killed in an extinction level event. That's the setup for this claustrophobic sci-fi thriller.

10 Cloverfield Lane is very intriguing in the sense that the film remained a secret until about two months before it's release when a surprise trailer splashed online and began trending almost immediately. This was in large part because one of the biggest names associated with the project was the producer, J. J. Abrams, who also produced Cloverfield. J. J. Abrams was quite busy working on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and maintaining a secretive marketing campaign for that film as well so people were so concentrated on Star Wars that no-one had any idea this film was happening since it's fake production name gave no indication it would be related to Cloverfield and since a majority of the film takes place in a bunker it was quite easy to film in secret on a closed set. 

First of all, I think it should be clarified that 10 Cloverfield Lane isn't exactly either a sequel or spinoff to and it's very unclear as to how these films are connected, if they are connected at all although it has been labeled as a "blood relative". Therefore if you go into the film expecting a similar film to Cloverfield you will probably be disappointed, because this is first and foremost a suspenseful thriller and none of the film is shot in the found-footage perspective. 

First time director, Dan Trachtenberg, does a phenomenal job building suspense in the drawn-out scenes where character motives become increasingly more questionable and the viewer is drawn closer and closer to the edge of their seat. The suspenseful atmosphere is only amplified thanks to 10 Cloverfield Lane's chilling score written by Bear McCreary. This suspenseful atmosphere makes a perfect stage for the small cast that will knock your socks off. 

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the more relatable character to the audience as Michelle. She embodies the every day person and her actions are similar to what any one else would do if they woke up handcuffed in an underground bunker. Winstead really stands out in her true moments of fear and terror which she conveys exceptionally well allowing for great juxtaposition with the other two cast members. John Gallagher Jr. is serviceable as Emmet, who came running to Howard and broke his arm trying to get inside the bunker. Emmet is primarily in the film to serve as a bit of comic relief to alleviate some of the tension brewing throughout the film. 

The real star however, is John Goodman. Goodman is exceptional as a twisted, complex character. Howard's very unpredictable and every move will raise some red flags with the other characters and the audience as they begin to question how much of what he says is actually the truth and Goodman owns the creepy vibe his character gives off and pays intricate attention to put every subtle detail in his performance that will leave the audience guessing. 

For those of you who are still skeptical about seeing 10 Cloverfield Lane, be aware that it's completely different from Cloverfield. Don't go in expecting Cloverfield 2 or you will be severely disappointed. If you liked the trailer or like suspenseful thrillers, 10 Cloverfield Lane is perfect for you. In summary, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a perfect matrimony between a exceptionally talented cast and fantastic first time director that manages to deliver a frightening, suspense thriller that will bring you to the edge of your seat.

Film Assessment: A-