Nothing quite petrifies the human race more than the inevitable apocalypse. Recently, Hollywood has been abusing this trope, with tales about giant asteroid strikes, ancient prophetic doomsday predictions coming true, and other terrifying fates. However, one new movie stands out among standard armageddon flicks: “10 Cloverfield Lane.” This film asks a unique question, focusing on who you are with during the apocalypse, not so much the apocalypse itself.

Unlike its spiritual predecessor “Cloverfield,”the film “10 Cloverfield Lane” focuses more on the horrors of human nature rather than monsters. The story follows Michelle, who gets in a violent car accident and finds herself in an underground bunker with two strange men named Emmett and Howard. John Goodman plays Howard, an eccentric doomsday prepper, who tells Michelle that he saved her life from a chemical attack that has made the Earth’s air uninhabitable. Emmett attests to Howard’s claims, and believes they will be staying in the bunker for at least two years.

Like the audience, Michelle is skeptical if what Howard is saying is genuine, and wonders if she has actually been kidnapped for his own personal enjoyment. With Howard’s dictatorship-like guidelines and possible murderous past, the tension arises as Emmet and Michelle question their rescuer.

“10 Cloverfield Lane” is unlike any film I have seen before. The entire length of the film takes place in the underground bunker, creating a feeling of pure desperation, isolation, and claustrophobia for both the characters and the audience. It’s a unique idea confining an entire film to just one location and is quite an ambitious concept from director Dan Trachtenberg.

This film is a thrilling watch as more is revealed about the outside world, Howard’s questionable past, and Michelle and Emmett’s ultimate plan to escape the bunker. There is not a single dull moment in “10 Cloverfield Lane,” as it is filled with twists and turns that made the crowd in my theater gasp in shock. Of course, I will not reveal these twists; you’ll have to see the movie yourself.

Also, if you are a horror lover like me who hates jump scares, I am happy to report that there are none present throughout this film. “10 Cloverfield Lane” relies on real scares and tension, something devoid in Hollywood horror today. It’s a real breath of fresh air.  

The character development is fantastic, and all three lead actors perform outstanding roles. However, the real star of “10 Cloverfield Lane” is John Goodman. He perfectly portrays Howard as a seemingly gentle human, who at a drop of a dime transforms into a raging monster, capable of violent impulses. His unpredictable nature just adds to the suspense of the film.

If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend you get to your local theater to see “10 Cloverfield Lane.”