I don't remember much about Cloverfield, and its kinetic, fast-paced shots don't age well for me, so I'm not as ingrained in the whole lore of Cloverfield. There might be comics, books, and other stuff fleshing out the universe, but I'm not aware of it.
Which made
10 Cloverfield Lane a surprise when it was announced. I was surprised that the film was extended well beyond what was seemingly a one-and-done film.
What was even more pleasently surprising is how standalone this film is. There's no explicit references to
Cloverfield, and if there are any nods they are all very subtle. This film borrows that Sci-Fi/Thriller element and makes it something that both pays homage to
Cloverfield while existing on it's own. The way I thought of it was akin to
The Twilight Zone. Where that show had similar themes and story beats, but the stories aren't truly dependent on eachother.
The film follows Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Michelle as she's caught in a car accident and is housed by a man that she's not too sure she can trust. You've no doubt seen the trailers which showcase Michelle's attempts to free herself. This is the primary plot of this movie. It's simple, but it works! This isn't to say there's some twists and turns, as there are, but the film on a structural level works excellently. We don't know what's out there, and you really get this genuine suspense that I haven't felt in a while.
When the film does reach it's climax, it's insane. It is a spectacle, it's full of so much action that it's some of the best action I'll see all year (yup!) and it's delivered beautifully. I did feel a bit jarred when the film transitions from it's shelter story to the more fantastical elements. Very minor complaint, but I can see it being an issue for some.
If you go in expecting a
Cloverfield sequel, you'll likely be dissapointed. If however you gauge this movie on the merits of it being a fun Sci-Fi/Thriller then you'll have a great time. It ramps up well, and when it delivers, it's some of the best action you'll ever see on the big screen this year.
I award the movie:
9,000,000/10,000,000
Uncle Joeys'