In the gripping thriller '10 Cloverfield Lane,' a young woman named Michelle finds herself in an unimaginable situation following a catastrophic car crash. After regaining consciousness, she discovers that she is trapped in a survivalist's underground bunker, far removed from the chaos and turmoil of the outside world. The bunker, eerily fortified and meticulously stocked with supplies, is the domain of Howard, a man who claims to have rescued her from an impending apocalyptic event that has rendered the surface uninhabitable.
As Michelle begins to take stock of her surroundings, the reality of her confinement sets in, and she grapples with the disconcerting notion that Howard may not be entirely forthcoming about the nature of the world outside. He insists that a mysterious attack has annihilated civilization as they know it, and the bunker is their only refuge. As paranoia and fear settle in, Michelle tries to decipher the truth while also assessing the dynamics with her fellow captive, Emmett, a man who appears to have a complex past with Howard and offers a glimmer of camaraderie in a tense situation.
The film masterfully builds suspense as Michelle's desperation to escape grows, pitting her instincts against the survivalist's psychological games. Audience tension escalates with each revelation and every lurking uncertainty about Howard's true intentions. '10 Cloverfield Lane' is not merely a story of survival, but a compelling exploration of trust and betrayal in a world where the familiar can quickly become unrecognizable. This thrilling narrative captivates viewers not just with its intricate plot twists, but also through its character-driven drama that questions the very nature of safety and sanity in an unpredictable reality.
Full Cast of 10 Cloverfield Lane
John Goodman
Howard
John Goodman delivered a tour de force performance as Howard in the gripping thriller '10 Cloverfield Lane', a role that showcased his remarkable range and depth as an actor. Goodman's portrayal of the enigmatic and domineering survivalist is both chilling and nuanced, as he expertly balances the character's menacing presence with undertones of vulnerability. His ability to convey the weight of Howard's mysterious past and his potentially paranoid motivations keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension and uncertainty. Goodman's performance is a masterclass in subtlety and intimidation, as he uses his imposing physicality and resonant voice to dominate the claustrophobic setting of the underground bunker that serves as the film's primary location. His interactions with co-stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr. are fraught with psychological complexity, leaving audiences to question the truth behind his claims of an apocalyptic threat looming outside. Goodman's Howard is a character that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a testament to his skill in bringing such a multifaceted and memorable performance to life.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Michelle
In the gripping thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane," Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Michelle, a resourceful young woman who wakes up after a car accident to find herself confined in an underground bunker. Winstead's portrayal captures the essence of Michelle's complex character, showcasing her resilience and ingenuity as she grapples with the enigmatic claims of her captor, played by John Goodman, who asserts that the outside world has been rendered uninhabitable by a chemical attack. Throughout the film, Winstead skillfully conveys Michelle's transformation from a state of panic and disbelief to determined survival mode, as she pieces together the truth of her situation and plans her escape. Her performance is a masterclass in suspense acting, as she navigates the psychological tension with a mixture of vulnerability and fierce determination, keeping the audience captivated and emotionally invested in her journey. With every glance, gesture, and whispered word, Winstead's Michelle emerges as a strong, memorable protagonist, driving the narrative forward and anchoring the film's dark and twisted mystery.
John Gallagher Jr.
Emmett
John Gallagher Jr. delivers a compelling performance as Emmett in the suspenseful thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane," directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Emmett is a character caught in a claustrophobic underground bunker, alongside Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and the enigmatic Howard (John Goodman). Gallagher brings a sense of authenticity and raw emotion to the role, portraying Emmett as a man who is both physically and emotionally scarred by the mysterious apocalyptic events that have unfolded above ground. His performance is characterized by a balance of vulnerability and determination, as Emmett grapples with the psychological trauma of his circumstances and the tense dynamics within the bunker. Gallagher's chemistry with his co-stars is palpable, particularly in his scenes with Winstead, where their characters form a bond of trust and camaraderie in the face of uncertainty. His portrayal adds depth to the film, as he navigates the tightrope between loyalty to Howard, who saved his life, and the growing realization that their survival may hinge on taking drastic action. Gallagher's nuanced depiction of Emmett's internal struggle and his ultimate resolve contribute significantly to the film's tense atmosphere and the audience's emotional investment in the protagonists' fight for survival.
Douglas M. Griffin
Driver
Douglas M. Griffin delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic Driver in the gripping thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane." His role, though not as prominent as the leads, is pivotal in establishing the unsettling atmosphere that permeates the film. Griffin's portrayal of the Driver is one of restrained menace, a character who is mostly seen behind the wheel, offering Michelle, the protagonist, a brief glimpse of a world that has been turned upside down. His interactions with Michelle are laced with subtle hints of the chaos outside the bunker, and his few lines of dialogue carry a weight that suggests a history far more complex than what is immediately revealed. Griffin's ability to convey a sense of foreboding with minimal screen time is a testament to his skill as an actor. His performance adds to the film's tension, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of the threat that lies beyond the bunker's walls, and whether the Driver is a savior or another obstacle in Michelle's quest for survival.
Suzanne Cryer
Woman
Suzanne Cryer delivers a compelling performance as the Woman in the psychological thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane." Her portrayal is brief but impactful, serving as a pivotal plot device that adds layers of tension and urgency to the film. Cryer's character appears sporadically throughout the narrative, primarily in a series of distressing video clips viewed by the protagonist, Michelle, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. In these scenes, Cryer exudes a palpable sense of fear and desperation, which is expertly balanced with an underlying strength and determination. Her performance is key in deepening the mystery surrounding the true nature of the doomsday scenario that the characters are facing, and her on-screen presence is a chilling reminder of the potential horrors beyond the bunker's confines. With limited screen time, Cryer manages to leave a lasting impression, contributing to the film's suspenseful atmosphere and the audience's unease, as her character's fate becomes intertwined with the unsettling revelations of the plot.
Bradley Cooper
Ben (voice)
Bradley Cooper's vocal performance as Ben in the psychological thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane" is a testament to his versatility as an actor, even when his character is unseen. As the voice that reaches out to the protagonist, Michelle, through a walkie-talkie, Cooper infuses Ben with a sense of warmth and desperation that is both comforting and unsettling. His voice becomes a lifeline for Michelle in her uncertain and claustrophobic environment, offering her hope and companionship while simultaneously raising the stakes with cryptic warnings about the world outside the bunker. Cooper's delivery is nuanced, balancing the character's mysterious nature with an underlying urgency that keeps the audience questioning the true intentions behind Ben's communications. His performance is crucial in building the film's tension, as his disembodied voice becomes the auditory manifestation of the enigmatic external threat that looms over the narrative, contributing to the film's overall atmosphere of paranoia and suspense.
Sumalee Montano
Voice on Radio (voice)
Frank Mottek
Radio Broadcaster (voice)
Crew of 10 Cloverfield Lane
Full backstage crew list →