We return to the Cloververse
The original script was called “The Cellar” and was designed as an ultra low budget thriller. Once it landed at Bad Robot, however, the script transformed to include an alien invasion and was squeezed into the Cloverfield Universe, or the Cloververse as it’s become. How does that work? How is Dan Trachtenberg as a director? And how brilliant are the three core cast members? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – with our August member bonus episode as we continue the Cloververse series with Trachtenberg’s 2016 film 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Does the film work whether it’s a Cloververse film or not?
That’s a big question, and allows for a lot of debate. Does the ending take it too far? Would it have worked better if it was eliminated? More like the original script’s ending? Or perhaps just a reveal of aliens then cut to black? But what would that do to Michelle’s character arc?
Regardless of what we think of the connections J.J. Abrams forced upon the film, it’s effective. John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr. give top notch performances from start to finish. And Trachtenberg clearly shows his directing muscles with this film. It’s clear why Prey is so great.
It’s a strong film, despite our debates about the ending. Regardless, it’s well worth checking out so do so then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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- Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Script Options
- Original script: The Cellar
- Theatrical trailer
- Poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Portal: No Escape (Live Action Short Film by Dan Trachtenberg)
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