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.
It goes without saying that mystery is the greatest strength for 10 Cloverfield Lane, a loosely connected sequel to the original Cloverfield (which was also marketed on anticipation of the unknown) that we didn’t even know was in production until a trailer dropped from nowhere in the middle of January. Likewise, it’s to the benefit of anyone curious in watching 10 Cloverfield Lane that they go in with as little knowledge as possible. Therefore, I will not be answering the hot topic questions many moviegoers with a vested interest in the film seem to want answered. Instead, let’s discuss if 10 Cloverfield Lane is actually good, and deserving of all the hype.
The film is, in execution, a character study of three individuals hidden away in isolation underground in a bunker, apparently rescued from life-threatening chemicals and toxins polluting the air. Michelle (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is actually physically brought to Howard’s (John Goodman) underground shelter while she is unconscious from a horrific car wreck, while Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) is actually a friend of Howard and fought his way in for protection, familiar with the man and certain that he is well-equipped to deal with an apocalyptic scenario.
And to the credit of all three leads, they do give dramatically layered, convincing performances. We understand Michelle’s paranoia and unease with trusting Howard, while Howard himself comes across as both nurturing and slightly off his rocker. His character is big on conspiracy theories, stern about keeping the multi-padlocked door to the outside world shut, and only ever raises his voice or becomes mildly violent when his generosity is betrayed. Emmett also makes it easier for the audience to feel that the trio are protected, considering his history with the round, imposing authoritative figure, in addition to providing comic relief that unfortunately usually misses. His jokes are even mocked by the other characters.
Essentially, for 105 minutes viewers are slowly fed information that reveals more and more about Howard. Some of the evidence paints him as a well intended do-gooder, while other bits show he may have a more sinister side, along with an ulterior motive. Surprisingly, that ulterior motive is never actually revealed, although we are given enough information about the character to make an educated interpretation regarding his wants and desires. No, he isn’t a sick rapist or something deplorable, but he does tread the line between good and evil. Questions being left unanswered will most definitely be seen as a detriment to the film to some, but you can’t deny there is a fascinating character at play, along with John Goodman’s greatest performance and role in ages.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is most definitely the star of the show though, tasked with all of the fun, badass activities towards the back-end of the film. Truthfully though, the last 15 minutes of the movie come across as nothing but glorified fan service meant to justify the film’s title as an entry in the Cloverfield franchise. It’s completely tacked on, superfluous, and worthless, but again, there’s no denying it is intense stuff. I also won’t deny that the special effects and conceptual designs behind everything are creative and admittedly impressive.
The point I’m trying to make here is that while I admire all of the filmmaking skill on display by first time director Dan Trachtenberg, 10 Cloverfield Lane is honestly as much of a misfire as it is a hit. Too much of the plot revolves around spinning the web on Howard and overly manipulating audience perception, depicting him going from savior to suspect with misguided motives, back to good guy and so on and so forth. It just gets tiring, because it becomes clear early on where the writers are taking the personality of the character. Some of the scenes regarding Howard’s finale also descend into cliché material.
The overall messages behind 10 Cloverfield Lane ultimately make the film work enough. It’s hard to really go into what they are without divulging spoilers, but the character of Howard is both simultaneously well-written and frustrating to behold, and Michelle is an undeniably awesome heroine that holds her own during the more terrorizing sequences. She’s also incredibly resourceful instead of your typical bumbling thriller idiot. Most importantly, there are a number of intense sequences all heightened by actors at the top of their game.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder – Chief Film Critic of Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews weekly, friend me on Facebook, follow my Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
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Originally published March 11, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
