Review of 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) by Phillip M — 15 Aug 2016

10 Cloverfield Lane relies mainly on one set piece, an underground bunker, throughout the entirety of the movie. It is a challenge to keep the material fresh when there aren't many places for you to go. In that sense, it's very reminiscent of the movie Devil which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the only gripe I have and even the one set piece isn't enough to take away from this great experience.

It's funny that I am writing this while watching March Madness as this movie will drive you mad with curiosity. Each scene creates questions on top of questions until the very last shot. When it's over, you're still left wondering some things although most you can deduce them on your own if you take the time to think it over. You leave the film hungry for answers and a little...well mad. You know something larger is afoot and you wish you could fastforward to a possible third movie.

After Michelle's (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) car gets run off the road, she awakens in an underground bunker owned by Howard (John Goodman). Howard tells her that she can't leave because of the terrible things that are happening above. Michelle remains suspicious and rightfully so. How can she trust the word of a man she's never met in her life? A man who comes off as super creepy in his own right. The entire film essentially revolves around her search for the truth.

This movie would be nothing without a great cast. Winstead plays a stellar role, one that left my wife saying, "Man, that was a badass chick!" You feel her emotion throughout, her hurt, her fears. Speaking of fear, John Goodman apparently plays an awesome weirdo. He was both stoic and frightening at the same time. John Gallagher Jr. plays Emmet, the other guy in the bunker. He provides a few doses of comic relief while helping to shed further light on what is truly happening.

This is all I can say without giving anything special away. I will say, I think the ending is worth the wait and getting past your early confusion. I definitely recommend 10 Cloverfield Lane. I give it an 86.