Maybe you walked away from "Gerald's Game" in awe of Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood's lead performances. Maybe the creativity of the film's small scope really did it for you. But if Jessie's resourcefulness was what set "Gerald's Game" into the stratosphere for you, then you've got to check out "10 Cloverfield Lane."
This JJ Abrams-produced sci-fi survival horror film follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a young woman who comes to after a roadside accident, finding herself in a stark underground bunker. With her leg out of commission, Michelle must balance her gut instinct to escape with the passionate warnings of her domineering savior, Howard Stambler (John Goodman), who insists she cannot leave under any circumstances because the air outside is toxic.
All told, it's a tall order: wriggle her way out from under her rescuer's thumb while accounting for the possibility that he may or may not be lying about the outside world being dangerous. This is a covert "Cloverfield" sequel after all. From finding a way out of the underground fortress to building a hazmat suit on the fly, Michelle's quick wit and perseverance make for a nerve-wrecking, enthralling watch.
The feature film debut of director Dan Trachtenberg, "10 Cloverfield Lane" is a smart, well-crafted, economically told tale of an overpowered woman overcoming the odds. Come for the suspense, stay for Mary Elizabeth WInstead's character using her skills as a fashion designer to build a gas mask.
