Twenty minutes. That is how long you get to feel comfortable and secure with what’s happening on screen during “Cloverfield.” Enjoy those 20 minutes, because the hour and a half following is probably one of the most intense cinematic experiences ever created.
One of “Cloverfield’s” greatest advantages was the initial buzz inspired by the film’s first cryptic teaser trailer released last summer. This preview was followed by a slew of other, equally cryptic, trailers that kept everyone guessing. The only thing anyone knew for sure was that in the film something bad happens in New York City.
Given that this reviewer has no desire to ruin what is probably going to be one of the best horror films of the year, let this serve as a spoiler alert. Read on only if you already have a pretty solid idea of what the movie is about.
The story is simple: Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David) is moving to Japan for work, and his brother Jason (Mike Vogel) and friend Lily (Jessica Lucas) are throwing him a going-away party. Hawkins’ best friend Hud (TJ Miller) has been given the job of documenting the party on video, though he seems more interested in videotaping a girl he likes named Marlena (Lizzy Caplan).
Things get complicated when Beth (Odette Yustman) whom Hawkins happens to be in love with, shows up at the party with another guy.
Thankfully, giant monster attacks have a way of simplifying things. All the boy-girl drama is forgotten when a giant monster from some great unknown hell wreaks havoc on the city.
Wherever the creature is from, it looks like nothing you have ever seen before. In all honesty, the best descriptor for the thing attacking New York is a terrifying gray lump with teeth that breeds smaller, yet somehow more terrifying gray lumps with teeth. Regardless, Rob and company find themselves in a desperate bid to escape Manhattan alive.
The entire movie is filmed with handheld video cameras, an excellent choice by director Matt Reeves, as it gives the film a visceral, gritty feel.
It also has the effect of keeping the audience with the characters at all times, making viewers feel much closer to an already highly relatable cast.
You will feel every death and experience every moment of shocking horror and tragedy with the characters. The result is powerful and unnerving all at once.
There are many good things to say about this film. However, the only real complaint is that “Cloverfield” is likely too intense for moviegoers with weak hearts or easily upset bladders.
Some critics have cited a similarity to “The Blair Witch Project” as a point of derision, but beyond having been filmed on a handheld camera, these similarities are largely imaginary.
“Cloverfield” is a strikingly original execution in a genre that has not seen an original idea in years.
