Originally filmed from a script called The Cellar, 10 Cloverfield Lane‘s title actually does it a disservice. This ‘spiritual successor’ is a completely different beast to Matt Reeves’ 2008 viral sensation, and deserves to be watched entirely on its own terms.

Unbearably claustrophobic and tense from the word go, this is a film which holds its cards so close to its chest that it’s hard to know what game it’s even playing. Mary Elizabeth Winstead makes for a compelling hero, but it’s John Goodman who steals the show as a terrifying blend of Annie Wilkes and Walter Sobchak.

Believe the hype. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a masterclass in crafting mystery, and an impressive debut for director Dan Trachtenberg. He’ll have his own franchise by the end of 2016.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr.

DIRECTOR: Dan Trachtenberg

WRITERS: Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken, Damien Chazelle

SYNOPSIS: After getting in a car accident, a woman is held in a shelter with two men.