10 Cloverfield Lane, 2016.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg.
Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. and John Goodman.
SYNOPSIS:
After surviving a car accident, a woman wakes up in an underground cellar. She fears she has been abducted by a survivalist, who tells her he saved her life, and that a worldwide chemical attack has left Earth’s surface uninhabitable. Uncertain what to believe, she decides she must escape, no matter what dangers she may face outside.
The announcement of 10 Cloverfield Lane back in January came as a huge surprise and had everyone asking if this was somehow a sequel to 2008’s Cloverfield. Following in the lead of its predecessor, 10 Cloverfield Lane is also shrouded in mystery with little to no information offered even from the trailer. This is ultimately the best way to experience the film; go view it without seeking any additional information regarding the plot or any possible connections to Cloverfield, because 10 Cloverfield Lane delivers a suspenseful ride for survival as you question what is and isn’t real alongside the characters.
Where 10 Cloverfield Lane succeeds the most is delivering a very character driven story, focusing on the radical changes in each person’s circumstances from everyday life to survival. Director Dan Trachtenberg puts emphasis on showing rather than telling audience members what emotions the characters are going through, firmly placing them in the character’s shoes. This is particularly evident with Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Michelle as viewers are given just as much information as her at the start of the film and join her as she attempts to uncover more regarding Howard and the situation above ground.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the standout star of the film. She plays Michelle with a subtle vulnerability to the external forces of her life, yet she has a fierce drive to take control of it. Winstead has played many kick-ass female characters throughout her career, but her turn as Michelle will probably go down as one of her most memorable roles. She doesn’t need anyone to save her or give her strength to carry on because she has that from the very beginning of the film. Her intellect is also clearly displayed throughout, again showing rather than telling, as she fashions homemade weapons and constantly thinks on her feet. Audiences will be rooting for Michelle to succeed and will not be disappointed by Winstead’s performance.
Conversely, John Goodman is well known for many of his nice, almost goofy, characters, but be prepared to see an entirely different side of Goodman in 10 Cloverfield Lane as Howard. He’s well intentioned as he works to protect Michelle and John Gallagher Jr.’s Emmett from whatever apocalypse has happened above the bunker, but can be very volatile at any moment, putting you on the edge as you never know what exactly will set him off. The film’s tagline, ‘Monsters come in many forms’, refers directly to him as Michelle tries piecing together who this man actually is; is he a savior or a man suffering from delusions of grandeur and paranoia? Goodman is electric in the role and your eyes will be glued to him anytime he’s onscreen.
John Gallagher Jr. rounds out the cast as Emmett, possibly the closest thing Howard has to a friend. He gives the film a sense of levity to counter the tension, but he doesn’t play the role with any straight comic relief. Emmett has his own backstory, giving Gallagher the chance to bring extra sympathy and depth to what could have been a one-note character.
Trachtenberg has directed several short films before, but for his first full-length debut, he certainly impresses as he shows a clear competency for what to focus on. As mentioned, he shows rather than tells to move the story along, emphasizing what makes the character’s tick. Though the film carries the Cloverfield name, its just as much a psychological suspense thriller as it is any kind of monster movie, showcasing the human aspect of such a scenario. Trachtenberg fully utilizes the small space of the bunker, adding to the claustrophobic feeling the more the film goes on. The set design is also notable as each nook and cranny stands out, immersing viewers in the simultaneous relief and danger the bunker offers.
10 Cloverfield Lane is a great, enjoyable film which showcases the talents of everyone involved. Winstead gives a terrific performance, one that will most likely be remembered among her career, while Goodman actually seems creepy and dangerous despite his usual persona. The direction Trachtenberg displays elevates this film from classic horror/sci-fi films by examining the human element and the monstrosity of regular, everyday people in a struggle for survival.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ricky Church
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Originally published March 9, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
