6 for a good film, 10 for John Goodman's exquisite acting!

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2018)

In my opinion, a truly great film that is also part of an anthology and cinematic universe is one that can also function independently, so viewers who have never watched previous titles of the anthology (or are indeed ignorant to its existence) can still enjoy a rewarding experience. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a shining example of such a film, as its connection to the "Cloververse" is only made apparent in the final 10-12 minutes.
The story is good, though not great in my opinion. Michelle, a young women, goes through a car accident and wakes up to find herself fully medically treated for her injury, but handcuffed to her bed. Enter John Goodman (Howard), the absolute best part of the entire film, playing a role so completely removed from his regular typecast that it feels like rediscovering him for the profound actor that he is. Seen him in Roseanne or The Flintstones movie? Forget it. Or bettet yet - don't! It would only make you marvel all the more at his terrifying character and the absolute amazing acting on his part.
Goodman's character turns out to be Michelle's captor, but insists that he had saved her life from "an attack" that has made earth's environment uninhabitable. Goodman perfectly and exquisitely acts the part of a neurotic, disturbing and troubled navy veteran "with a black belt in conspiracy theories". Accordingly, he has slaved for years constructing a doomsday bunker with all the comforts of home.
Has Michelle been kidnapped or saved? Is Howard a kindhearted savior or a deranged delusional homicidal lunatic? What indeed happened outside the bunker? All of these questioned are gradually answered as the viewer is tormented along with Michelle by not being able to know for a fact what is true and what is assumed. The ultimate conclusion could be guessed in advance by followers of the Cloverfield franchise, but others might find the ending quite surprising.
All in all, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a chilling and thrilling experience of confusion, misinformation and terror. The absolutely wonderful acting by Goodman (and sufficiently good by rest of cast), the discomforting atmosphere and the suspenseful process of connecting the dots has left me personally on edge, terrified at times and applauding Goodman's acting. Honestly, I believe that even if some of you would find the film to be mediocre at best - Goodman's portray of a neurotic disturbed pseudo-antagonist would be enough to make the experience rewarding.