The Lane of no Return.

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2016)

Found footage monster thriller, 'Cloverfield', came out in 2008 to mixed reviews. The shaky, raw camera footage generated a sense of realism that was supposed to create an authentic atmosphere, giving the audience the feeling that they were witnessing an event that actually happened. The whole spectacle worked well but lacked cohesion and purpose that affected the overall impact. I for one was left a little confused about what was happening, possibly mimicking the emotions of the young actors that appeared in the film. '10 Cloverfield Lane' has been promoted as a distant cousin of the Gen Y original piece but what we have here is a return to a more traditional thriller that works its magic very well. '10 Cloverfield Lane' keeps you guessing all the way through the 103 minute running time setting itself in a more personal and private situation that fabricates a considerably greater atmosphere of anxiety than its blood relative.
Young Directorial dÃ©butant, Dan Trachtenberg, has been given his shot at impressing the big boys at Paramount Pictures and he hasn't done his reputation any harm. Backed up by Executive Producer, J.J. Abrams Bad Robot Production Company and young Danny is ticking all the right boxes in the presence of some very powerful Hollywood heavyweights. His niche seems to be the suspenseful surroundings of the thriller and with a first time effort such as '10 Cloverfield Lane', Trachtenberg is well on his way to becoming one of the best men behind the camera in this genre. He has made a compact, intimate thriller that oozes an anxious and awkward mood that never lets the audience to comfortably settle into their seats. The viewer is always presented with the question - Is it or isn't it? - when it comes to the context of the story. Originally based on a script that had nothing to do with the "Cloverfield" time-line, the narrative was re-worked by Josh Campbell and Matthew Struecken into a 'Cloverfield' sequel that never becomes too complicated but rather relies on a simple setting that is easy to follow. Like all good thrillers, '10 Cloverfield Lane' simmers away under the surface with the occasional well timed burst of body jolting suspense that inevitably builds up to an interesting climax.
Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is a woman that is going through a difficult period in her relationship. Whilst driving alone in her car on a presumably quiet and uneventful night, she is suddenly driven off the road in a high impact collision that was never seen coming. When she wakes, Michelle finds herself in a room on a mattress with her injuries carefully tended to. A strange, off beat man reveals himself to her as Howard (John Goodman) who tells her that she has been saved from a catastrophic disaster that has left the breathable air toxic. Michelle is in a bunker deep underground with no knowledge of what is actually happening in the world above. For her own sanity, the young woman welcomes the discovery of another member of this strange abode, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), who is an acquaintance of this mysteriously unhinged Howard. As the film progresses, layers start to form around the narrative that immediately keeps the audience enthralled.
There is not much to the cast as it revolves around three characters but each are absolutely necessary to create the desired affect. Relative unknowns, Winstead and Gallagher Jr. put in some very engaging performances as the two young occupants (or are they victims?). Both look comfortable in their roles that will no doubt catch the attention of future employers. Michelle and Emmett are two characters that provide plenty of exposure for the young actors as they look to step up the ladder in terms of their careers. The real "meat in the sandwich" is John Goodman as the uneasy sociopath, Howard. The man is a volcano waiting to erupt with a mood that ultimately encompasses the whole production. I love Goodman and this is without doubt his most accomplished role since his star turn in the Coen Brothers, 'The Big Lebowski'.
'10 Cloverfield Lane' is a good strong thriller. Watching John Goodman work his way through his very disturbed character is worth the price of admission alone. The film has a simple layout that builds into an engrossingly layered story. If there is to be a small complaint to Dan Trachtenberg's debut feature it would have to be the climax but then again it is a relation to 'Cloverfield'.