Three people are trapped in a bunker underground after what may, or may not, be a massive nuclear or chemical attack on America. Unless, of course, it’s an alien invasion. Or an attack by giant monster like the one in ‘Cloverfield,’ the genetically related predecessor to ’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ which was filmed in relative secret before being unleashed on the world, with very little known about it, two weeks ago.Featuring John Goodman—in what may stand as the best performance of his career—along with relative newcomers Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr., the film is like a non-stop At least one of these carefully layered characters has been taking to the bunker against her will. At least two of them are capable of unspeakable acts, if pushed far enough. Guess what? In ’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ people are definitely pushed far enough—and then some. The result is nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat fun, tripled dipped in a thick layer of terror, with plenty of nuts for good measure. Not since ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ has one film so expertly blended so many different tropes and tricks of the horror genre into one grisly, goofy romp of a film.
For those who dislike horror, ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ will likely not be their cup of sulfuric acid, but for anyone who likes the chilling thrilling feeling of being simultaneously amped up and knocked over the head, this trippy chamber flick, directed with tremendous skill, artful invention, will keep you happily guessing, and occasionally jumping with surprise, right to the very (outrageously audacious) end.

’10 Cloverfield Lane,’ PG-13, 1 hour 43 min.