The 2008 found footage horror film Cloverfield often gets overlooked among the numerous popular movies of that era, such as The Ring, Orphan, and Jennifer's Body. However, Cloverfield warrants a second look due to its intriguing premise and outstanding performance by Lizzy Caplan. The plot revolves around a monster that has taken over New York City, leaving the main characters to navigate the chaos and find a way out of the city.
What sets Cloverfield apart is that the entire movie is presented through one character's camcorder, making it more captivating than most monster movies. How does the story unfold during Cloverfield, and how does it culminate? Moreover, how does the first movie connect to the other two sequels in the franchise?
What Is Cloverfield About?
The use of found footage in Cloverfield adds a unique element to the story, making it a great example of a successful horror movie. By having Hud Platt record everything the audience sees, the tone of the film becomes even more eerie, as if something bad could happen at any moment. Additionally, the setting of a goodbye party for one of the characters adds emotional weight to the plot. Throughout the chaos caused by the monster, we see the characters' relationships and connections to each other, making the audience care about their fates.
The marketing strategy employed for Cloverfield is truly remarkable and sets it apart from the typical monster or disaster films. The trailer in particular is a captivating teaser, maintaining an air of intrigue that leaves the audience eagerly anticipating the full movie experience.
How Does Cloverfield End?
The conclusion of Cloverfield is both chilling and heartwarming. Although Hud, Beth, and Rob manage to escape the monster, Rob tragically loses his life. Beth and Rob find refuge under a bridge where they express their love for each other on camera. The destruction of the bridge serves as a reminder of their impending doom. Despite their limited screen time, the love story between Rob and Beth is a powerful element of the film's horror narrative. Their emotional struggle to come to terms with their mortality leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
Beth and Rob enjoy a carefree moment on a Ferris wheel at Coney Island, but even then, the audience is reminded of the impending chaos as a satellite crashes down from the sky, signaling the birth of the baby monster. The film's ending leaves a lasting impact as a mysterious voice pleads for help and a chilling message is discovered upon rewinding.
How Do The Other Cloverfield Movies Tie Into The Story?
The Cloverfield sequels, 10 Cloverfield Lane and The Cloverfield Paradox, were released in 2016 and 2018 respectively. The original Cloverfield sets the stage for both sequels by showcasing the ongoing danger posed by the monster and the significant impact it has had on the world. 10 Cloverfield Lane offers a unique and unsettling premise, in which Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is trapped in a bunker with Howard Stambler (John Goodman) who warns her of a catastrophic event that has occurred and the impossibility of survival above ground. Although neither of the sequels features a monster as formidable as Godzilla, 10 Cloverfield Lane distinguishes itself by taking a different approach to storytelling compared to its predecessor.
The upcoming fourth Cloverfield movie will be directed by Babak Anvari and it will be intriguing to see where the story goes from here. Reports suggest that it won't be a found footage horror movie, which could be a positive move to keep the franchise feeling new and exciting, especially considering the time that has passed since the release of the original film.