When the original Cloverfield movie came out, I was hooked. I used to watch it everyday when I came home from school. I used to read all the theories from fans about the lore and where the monster came from. I really don’t care for the found footage style of filming, but for some reason, it never bothered me in the original film. Once I heard that there would be a sequel, I could not wait to step back into the world of Cloverfield again. I was not disappointed with what I got from 10 Cloverfield Lane; however, this is not at all the movie I expected to see. The directors chose to take the sequel (if you can even call it a sequel) in a totally different direction than the original film, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I was pleasantly surprised with what this film turned out to be. Even if you aren’t a fan of the original Cloverfield, I think everyone should check this movie out.
10 Cloverfield Lane begins with the main character, Michelle (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), driving on a very dark road at night when she gets into a horrific car crash (the car crash was seriously one of the worst I’ve seen in a film. It’s one of those types of crashes where you think damn, yea she’s definitely dead). However, she wasn’t dead. Instead, she wakes up shackled in a small room with no windows and a locked door. Her captor, Howard (played by John Goodman), refuses to let her leave and has locked them both in his underground shelter. Howard believes that the air outside has been contaminated due to a recent terrorist attack, and therefore no one can leave the bunker for fear of being poisoned. Has Howard saved Michelle from certain death or is there something more sinister going on?
Let’s get this out of the way right now. This is NOT a monster movie, which may be a letdown for some. Honestly, you really don’t need to watch the original movie. I was slightly upset because I wanted this film to pick up where the original left off and it doesn’t. But once you finish this film, you will appreciate it for the fantastic movie that it is. Give it a chance and you will not be disappointed. At least I wasn’t.
John Goodman was nominated for several awards for this movie and rightfully so. He did such a fantastic job with his role as Howard. Throughout the entire film, you question Howard’s motives. Even when you think you have figured him out, he does something that makes you have to start back at square one again. There is something really unsettling about Howard. You never really trust him, but deep down a part of you wants to. One reason this film was so good is because the main character and the predicament she finds herself in is completely relatable. I believe that if we all were placed in a similar situation, we would have reacted the same way and made some of the same decisions she did.
10 Cloverfield Lane is filled with suspense and mystery. The audience truly feels what Michelle feels. We question as Michelle questions. The first Cloverfield was filled with tons of action and great scope as it teased this huge monster with bombastic set pieces. 10 Cloverfield Lane is the exact opposite. There is almost no action, and the film is more psychological than anything. Throughout the duration of the film, you will ask yourself non-stop questions as you try to piece together the puzzle and solve the mystery of Howard and what is going on outside of the underground shelter. The first film had many different locations. The majority of this film takes place in one location—the underground shelter. Films that take place in one setting like this are normally hit or miss for me. They are either really good or really bad. The cast of this movie all nailed their roles, and as a result made the entire time spent in the shelter enjoyable.
The ending of this movie was crazy, and my jaw remained on the floor well into the credits. I can’t wait to see what direction they choose to take the third film. If you are looking for something to watch on Hulu, you will be doing yourself a disservice if you pass up on this one.
5/5 – Why aren’t you watching this movie yet?
About the Author: Phil Purkett Jr.
Founder and Creator of Some Guy in Space. Second of his name. Real cool dude.
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