DIRECTOR: Dan Trachtenberg LEAD
CAST: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John
Gallagher, Jr. SCREENWRITER: Josh Campbell, Matt
Stuecken, Damien Chazelle PRODUCER: J.J. Abrams,
Lindsey Weber EDITOR: Stefan
Grube
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Bear McCreary GENRE: Science
Fiction Psychological Thriller
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Jeff Cutter DISTRIBUTOR: Paramount
Pictures LOCATION: United States GENRE:
Suspense, action
RUNNING TIME: 103
minutes
Technical assessment:
3.5
Moral assessment:
2.5
CINEMA Rating: V14
Shortly after a love
quarrel with her fiancé, Michelle (Elizabeth Winstead) figures in a car
accident and loses consciousness. On waking up she finds herself chained onto a
wall without any idea where she is. In that strange place she meets Howard (John Goodman)) who explains to her
that she has been rescued from the danger of chemical hazards and is brought to
the underground place for safety and protection to keep her alive. In the same
place, Michelle meets Emmet (John Gallagher, Jr.), another rescued survivor.
The two of them think that Howard is an equally dangerous man when he denies entry to Leslie (Suzanne Cryer), who is already contaminated by the chemical. Emmet and Michelle plan to escape. But Howard discovers their attempt to flee.
10 Cloverfield Lane has a commendable
plot. It is well developed, unpredictable and impressively sustains suspense. The
director did well in carrying the story with effective attention to detail. The
actors equally gave their share of excellent, thrilling performance. The cinematography is likewise good; it
complements the amazing production design while being enhanced further by careful
editing. The rest of the technical
aspects satisfactorily contribute to the overall aesthetic value of the film.
There is value in
possessing foresight,
resourcefulness, and strong determination to protect life. There is further value when interest
for safety is not contained to one’s self but is extended to include others.
The film depicts charity that is marked by hospitality and generosity in
sharing home and food to the needy.
However, distrust gets in the way and the motivation in helping others
is questioned. While trust may
bring peace of mind and a carefree feeling in the heart, in times of trouble
and confusion, it is very hard to trust and to forgive. The film 10 Cloverfield Lane disregards the trust,
forgiveness and sacredness of life.
