I could understand the argument against 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) in regards to staying close to similar "forced in closed quarters" thrillers where certain characters endure each other, as toxic relations and conflicting personalities breed something eventually wholly unpleasant. Goodman, from the beginning, just doesn't seem right. Maybe it was because he locks up Winstead, bolts this loud door, and, despite her clear desire to leave, is persistent she quit being difficult and contribute to a potentially long stay. Gallagher, Jr. aligns himself with her as both realize Goodman is responsible for the disappearance of a girl. This is the "uh, oh" moment that sparks getting the hell out of that bunker.

The film shows Winstead's attempts towards freedom. The first being persuaded when against a door exit that is interrupted by a neighbor on the other side begging to get in, seemingly suffering a plague. It gives credence to Goodman's claim that an invasion is under way. The bunker's roof tremoring. Mutilated livestock on Goodman's homestead. Could these examples deter Winstead from trying to get away?

There are individual scenes that unsettle. The photo that falls out of a book. A particular shirt Winstead wears linked to the missing girl because Goodman provided it to her specifically. Goodman crowding her for "unruly conduct" (she flirts with Gallagher so he'll address her close enough to snatch his keys), and his hostility towards Gallagher. The HELP carved in a plastic window to an exit door. And it all gets progressively worse. Distrust and discord lives for most of the time in the bunker. A brief period of harmony doesn't last once the fate of "Megan" is determined. A gun and acid certainly spirals everything towards Winstead confronting another threat: aliens!





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