Invigorating twist to the alien invasion genre

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2017)

Loosely tied to Matt Reeves Cloverfield (2008), 10 Cloverfield Lane expands on the surprisingly rich Cloverfield universe while also serving as a fresh twist to the alien invasion genre.
The acting is simply superb, especially that of John Goodman. Incredibly intimidating and cold, he truly gives an Oscar-worthy performance as the lumbering, paranoid ex- marine. The confinement of the film's setting and the mystery surrounding our characters adds to the near Hitchcockian levels of tension, as there is literally nowhere to run.
The film is also written and directed very well. The film racks the tension as the quick changes in tone works to amplify the viewer's unease. Subtle emotional connection, gut-wrenching tension and the full-on horror aspects all land perfectly, making the film an unpredictable, and quite flavourful, experience.
The only issue I had with 10 Cloverfield Lane is the final 15 minutes or so. Without spoiling anything, the film reaches it's explosive climax in a way that closes our main character's arc off nicely, but sadly goes overboard in the process. The quick switch from tense, conservative thrills to full-blown action is quite jarring, and doesn't seem to quite fit in with the tone that the rest of the film sets.
Overall, 10 Cloverfield is an engaging, rock-solid gem that is guaranteed to turn knuckles white. While the final stretch oversteps it's tonal boundaries plotted within the first hours of the film, it doesn't ruin them, making this an electrifying and immensely gripping surprise.