“10 Cloverfield Lane”

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film directed by relative newcomer Dan Trachtenberg and starring John Goodman.  Goodman has been a favorite of mine since the early days playing husband to Roseanne Barr and his classic turn in the incomparable “The Big Lebowski “.   If you missed the series “Treme” on TV I encourage you  to catch Goodman as an outspoken New  Orleans writer in the aftermath of Katrina.  He is wonderful as is the entire series.

Here he gets to play a bit of a creepy survivalist convinced that we are under attack by some sinister force.  He is well prepared and ready to wait the crisis out.  The film opens with an emotional young woman packing her things, leaving behind a note and an engagement ring.  Off she goes into the night refusing to answer phone calls from her fiancé whose voice is actually Bradley Cooper!  A terrible crash ensues and she wakes up below ground with Howard (Goodman) and Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.).   They are both certain that it is too dangerous to leave the shelter and that it may be years before they will be able to emerge.

Howard is one weird dude and Michelle,  capably played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, cannot figure out what to believe but her instincts are to get out of this place.

A bit reminiscent of the living quarters in “Room”, there are moments of claustrophobia throughout.  Despite the uncomfortable nature of the situation there are humorous moments as the trio tries to break the monotony.

Clearly Goodman carries this film.  There are tense moments throughout and Trachtenberg keeps the audience guessing.  I enjoyed it and can confidently recommend it for anyone who enjoys a movie where being unsettled is the norm.