Genre
Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Director
Dan Trachtenberg
Country
USA
Cast
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr., Bradley Cooper, Suzanne Cryer, Jamie Clay
Storyline
After getting in a car accident, a woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is held in a shelter with two Howard (John Goodman) and Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), who claim the outside world is affected by a widespread chemical attack.
A claustrophobic psychological thriller, "10 Cloverfield Lane" has enough tension and mystery to keep you glued to the screen, but without leaving science-fiction aside.
Other than the title, the film has very little in common with "Cloverfield". The story for instance is compelling for the entire runtime leaving room for no dead moments. It does never get boring, uninteresting or predictable. The plot goes from hostage film to horror, then a buddy film to horror again, to beautifully finish with sci-fi, and the transition between a genre and the other is done almost flawlessly.
Dan Trachtenberg's direction is remarkable - if he plays his cards right, he will become a big name in the industry -, and shows so much confidence many directors don't have even after years and years of experience.
The other thing "10 Cloverfield Lane" shares with its predecessor is the producer: J.J. Abrams. Another good news because the trailers have revealed basically nothing, in complete Abrams style.
The best part of the film is the cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a strong and believable performance as Michelle, the girl held hostage, and her likability does really help. John Gallagher Jr. nails his role - I say no more, I don't want to spoil the film. And finally John Goodman, the real star of the film. He has always been associated to comedic roles but here he proves he can do thrillers too. And he captures every single shade of his complex character.
I haven't seen many 2016 films but "10 Cloverfield Lane" is easily one of the best of the year.
Opinion
Until a few months ago I was not even aware of this film. It came to my attention after reading many and many people saying it was amazing. At first I was a little skeptical, but when I learnt that Damien Chazelle co-wrote the screenplay my expectation grew exponentially. And thank god the film met my expectations.A claustrophobic psychological thriller, "10 Cloverfield Lane" has enough tension and mystery to keep you glued to the screen, but without leaving science-fiction aside.
Other than the title, the film has very little in common with "Cloverfield". The story for instance is compelling for the entire runtime leaving room for no dead moments. It does never get boring, uninteresting or predictable. The plot goes from hostage film to horror, then a buddy film to horror again, to beautifully finish with sci-fi, and the transition between a genre and the other is done almost flawlessly.Dan Trachtenberg's direction is remarkable - if he plays his cards right, he will become a big name in the industry -, and shows so much confidence many directors don't have even after years and years of experience.
The other thing "10 Cloverfield Lane" shares with its predecessor is the producer: J.J. Abrams. Another good news because the trailers have revealed basically nothing, in complete Abrams style.
The best part of the film is the cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a strong and believable performance as Michelle, the girl held hostage, and her likability does really help. John Gallagher Jr. nails his role - I say no more, I don't want to spoil the film. And finally John Goodman, the real star of the film. He has always been associated to comedic roles but here he proves he can do thrillers too. And he captures every single shade of his complex character.
I haven't seen many 2016 films but "10 Cloverfield Lane" is easily one of the best of the year.
Great review! John Goodman was terrifying in this, I know it's early but I'm kind of hoping he picks up some awards for it when the time comes :)
ReplyDelete- Allie
I hope that to because he'd really deserve them.
DeleteBrilliant review! As good as the movie gets!
ReplyDeleteYes, very good review, Thanks.
ReplyDelete