Cloverfield (2008)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  8 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: 'Cloverfield' is one of the most gripping found-footage horror flicks out there, as it utilises its central cinematic device to very effectively put you on the ground amongst its terrifying apocalyptic scenario. We begin with a party and a glimpse of the characters and their relationships, but the sense of general confusion about what's happening (reinforced by the US army preamble beforehand) builds to a terrifying explosion of tension upon the commencement of what appears to be some kind of horrific alien invasion. We don't really see much of course because everything's being filmed by a bloke on the ground, but that serves to - as it should in this kind of movie - treble the fear-factor, and as the film continues from there without much let-up on the horrors, it'll no doubt keep you on the edge of your seat and even gripping your armrests at points.
  That only works though of course because everything feels grounded and natural to match the cinematography, as on the one hand the performances are pretty realistic and the dialogue is always brilliantly reactionary rather than expository - unlocking a very tangible sense of what any of the audience might do if they found themselves in such a scenario. It's equally important to note however that set-design and sound design is extremely well-considered as whenever the camera wooshes by any burned-out car, dead body or destroyed building, there's not so much as a hint that what you're watching is a cinematic concoction at all. That may look easy to do but it's really no mean feet, and you ultimately have to properly admire the film for executing its vision so perfectly.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It can't really be faulted for the way it's executed, but by their very nature found-footage movies are very irritating on the eye, and this one is definitely no exception.
  
  VERDICT: A great idea executed with striking realism from every performance to every set-design, as found-footage horrors go, 'Cloverfield' is easily one of the best.

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