The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) Movie Review

The Cloverfield Paradox is produced by J.J. Abrams and was teased in a Super Bowl LII trailer. The movie was released on Netflix shortly after the Eagles defeated the Patriots, 41-33. If you were too busy driving home or wiped out from your party, this movie review outlines what you missed.

Plot

Expert scientists on the Cloverfield Space Station work on an experimental particle accelerator called The Shepard, in hopes to solve the Earth’s dimensioning energy resources.

While the planet is on the brink of war and life continues to hang by a thread, scientists fail at their initial attempts to power The Shepard. The mission is to capture energy produced from the particle accelerator, which in turn, could potentially deliver infinite energy for all.

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) Crew Members
From left to right, Monk, Tam, Kiel, Schmidt (center), Hamilton, and Mundy. Netflix

This isn’t the only problem posed by J.J. Abrams. As tensions increase amidst the Shepard’s failures, Russia begins to invade weaker nations by ground. As most know, military actions by ground demand copious amounts of oil. This leaves the audience with the impression that the world seems to be helpless in the pursuit of energy and that any moment could be its last.

What does the world look like without the power grid?

To put this in perspective, if we loose the internet we’re technologically set back to the early 1990s. If we loose electricity, welcome in the 1890s.

City without lights
City without lights. Unsplash

On the Cloverfield Space Station, fights begin to break out among frustrated crew members. With less than a minute away from midnight on the ‘Doomsday Clock,’ the team musters up enough self-restraint to give The Shepard one last go. I won’t spoil the movie for anyone, but I will say that we’ve already conducted a similar experiment on Earth with the Particle Accelerator.

Considering the experiment takes place in space and not on Earth, viewers should expect the worst scenario to unfold with the crew attempting to reverse their damage. After all, space is still ‘unexplained’ when it comes to dark matter and alternate dimensions.

Final Thoughts

I can’t compare The Cloverfiled Paradox to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, but what I can do is draw similarities between the two in terms of interstellar space travel. Both films explore what space travel could be like if we adopt alternative energy sources, as well as the potential risks. I would not rewatch this film for fun and the only recommendations I will be making is for those interested in interstellar travel, but don’t be disappointed with the science of the film.

The Cloverfield Paradox Trailer. MovieAccessTrailers

https://youtu.be/xOVAA6PWc8E

About The Cloverfield Paradox

  • Genere: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
  • TV Parental Guidelines (US): TV-MA
  • Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
  • Released: February 4, 2018
  • Producer: J.J. Abrams
  • Budget: $26 Million
  • Movie Review Rating: 3/5

The Cloverfield Paradox Cast

The Cloverfield Paradox Crew