Mysterious Slow Intensity With A Shockingly Good Ending

Rating: 8/10 (26 March 2016)

If you're the type who seeks films with a different slant on horror look no further. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a mash-up of different elements of drama, horror, and something else in the end. The film mixes familiar elements to the point of fresh originality.
This film has an excellent dark and claustrophobic feel from the very beginning. The writer never gets in hurry and uses the slow pace to build it's mysteriousness. It turns even darker soon though and it gets you hooked. I'd have to say its a well done slow ride that keeps a palpable edge - creepier and better as it goes.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle is perfect as a conflicted person fleeing a relationship at its end. She immediately has your sympathy as you root for her to get out of whatever it is she's trying to escape. Her escape goes in a much worse way as she awakes from an auto accident. Her new predicament is worse as she is "saved" by a real "black belt" level doomsday prepper, Howard. Howard has loads of the requisite creep factor as portrayed by John Goodman. Just like he's not your average Hollywood star he ain't the run of the mill prepper either. An innocent and a monster are now in a really bad situation and there is that element of hopelessly being stuck between life and death played out in an enigmatic and quite original combination.
Aside from the tone, the small cast, and the terror it's what is unknown that keeps everything off balance and, as a viewer, on full alert as to what's next. The methodical building up doesn't crash in a letdown either. The ending ramps up and takes a nice left turn. This is simply good movie making in my opinion. A creepy and harrowing ride from start to stop.