10 Cloverfield Lane

10 Cloverfield Lane

In 2008 the movie Cloverfield was released. I assumed 10 Cloverfield Lane was either a prequel or a sequel. No, this is a “spiritual successor”. I told my son I never heard of this expression and he said it is because I am old. For those of you too embarrassed to ask, here is the definition:

A Spiritual Successor is a type of sequel that is not part of the same world or story as its predecessor, but is nonetheless considered to be a successor because it's made by the same creators; shares common themes, styles, or elements; or, most likely, both. In other words, it's a sequel "in spirit.

This is a doomsday/sci-fi movie. There are three principles: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr. The small ensemble sustains the movie’s tension and focus. Goodman plays Harold the farmer turned doomsday fanatic who constructs a bunker. Winstead plays Michelle, who is rescued by Howard after an auto accident and taken to his bunker. Gallagher plays Emmett who is a farm worker who stows away in the bunker.

The essence of the movie is you are not sure what is real. Is Goodman really a survivalist or is he totally unbalanced. Is the atmosphere toxic or this is what Goodman wants you to believe? Is he benevolent or does he want to keep Michelle and Emmett captive? Conflicting clues support both positions.

Goodman usually plays the happy fat guy. He is terrific in this role as the doomsday fanatic.  He does not over play the role. I am not familiar with Winstead’s work but she played her role well showing vulnerability and grit. The movie has an atmosphere of suspense. Unexpected things happen making you jump. The film holds your attention completely.

 My one critique is the set up took a little bit too long. If Alfred Hitchcock did a sci-fi/end of the world thriller it would resemble this film. For fear of life and limb I will not say more about the plot (there is lots more). Hint, during the last half hour do not go to the bathroom.