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.
