Dropped into the world via the Superbowl, The Cloverfield Paradox is one of those surprise ads you aren’t quite sure how to process. Are you glad that there’s a new sci-fi thriller coming out? Excited that you don’t have to wait to see it in theaters? Dismayed by the thought that this entry into the JJ Abrams monster franchise will probably be tenuously connected to the previous entries? If you are like me, I am sure its all above. Abrams is fond of stunts like these, as if all of his creative properties need their own brand of surprises. He wants you to feel that surprise as it carries you into the (would be) theater. There is one thing I am certain you will feel. Confused. But lucky for you, in space no one can hear how confused you are.

The Cloverfield Paradox is story set in the near future aboard a state of the art space station, the purpose of which is to solve an energy crisis that is putting the countries of Earth on the brink of war. Having attempted to serve the main function of the satellite 46 times, all ending in failure, they have enough time for one more chance. Upon recalibrating, the satellite appears to function properly, but a sudden shock and overload sends the entire space station and crew into a parallel universe. In our lead role, delivering a fine performance, Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays a female scientist running from her past and trying to make a difference. It was nice to see a woman of color as the lead in a sci-fi film, something that doesn’t happen often enough, but is happening more and more often. My other favorite was Elizabeth Debicki as Jensen, who makes a big impact despite coming in bit later in the film. It was also nice to see Chris O’Dowd (Mundy) delivering a depth to sarcasm in his own trademark way.

This film was also directed by a person of color, Julius Onah, who pulled the film together visually, but fell short of being a strong, intelligent sci-fi. There is a large portion of this movie that begs you to question the science in the fiction, but offers up mostly holes and inconsistencies. Good sci-fi either follows long-standing norms or carefully explains their own, two things the Cloverfield universe decidedly ignores, all in favor of surprising you. In this case, surprise can quickly turn to confuse, but the film tends to move at breakneck speed, so it’s easy to ignore until the next big question mark. Largely the film still makes a firm landing, it’s exciting, entertaining, well acted, and funny in certain places. There are lots of tactile props that give it a classic 80’s sci-fi feel, most of which look like they were lifted from the set of Pacific Rim, specifically their space suits. It even finds time to tell a story of life on earth that turns into somewhat of a twist ending that will serve up more questions than answers. Questions that will ultimately lead nowhere, if the previous entries are any example.

At the advertising expense of dropping directly following the Superbowl, Netflix wrangled up a good chunk of the nation, too drunk to leave the party just yet, but just sober enough to pick up the remote and change the channel. For what it’s worth, it was probably one of the safest gambles Netflix could have made, especially considering this film was on the fence during its production. Either way, it’s still worth checking out. Blockbuster budget without having to bust the block down at the theater.

~* 7/10 *~