The Cloverfield Paradox brought the anthology series to the stars but its connection to the previous two films is a little murky. 2k2y5g

This article contains SPOILERS for 10 Cloverfield Lane.

The 10 Cloverfield Laneendingis a divisive aspect of the otherwise acclaimed sequel, but it is a conclusion that plays off of the movie's deeper themes. The second film in the Cloverfield franchise is a deeply unsettling and claustrophobic experience, and from beginning to end presents itself as a cerebral and complex thriller that introspectively tackles themes of paranoia and regret. However, the film bears little resemblance to the 2008 found-footage Kaiju movie Cloverfield, as on the surface it's only the final shots that link 10 Cloverfield Lane to Cloverfield.

10 Cloverfield Lane 2could continue the story of one of the Cloverfieldfranchise’s most intriguing entries, and while it’s always been touted as a standalone film this may not be the case for long — at least not if ideas that director Dan Trachtenberg and star Mary Elizabeth Winstead have come to fruition. 2016’s 10 Cloverfield Lane was Trachtenberg’s directorial debut, and the second movie in J.J. Abrams and Paramount’s Cloverfield franchise. While the first was a found footage kaiju movie, the second was an intimate and incredibly tense drama that almost entirely took place in a survival bunker.

10 Cloverfield Lane2 remains a possibility, and one that makes a stronger case for a Cloverfield continuation than the Cloverfield 2. The original Cloverfield first hit theaters in 2008, utilizing an ingenious viral marketing campaign that successfully built an aura of mystery around the secretive project. The franchise has stuck by its secretive roots ever since, playing its cards close to the chest with every Cloverfield sequel by using fake production names, surprise releases, and non-traditional sequels to build the franchise’s off-kilter brand.

10 Cloverfield Lanedirector Dan Trachtenberg addresses the possibility of 10 Cloverfield Lane 2 as the franchise heads towards a movie revival. Released in 2016, the sequel to 2008's Cloverfield explores the implications of an alien invasion on a much smaller scale, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead starring as a woman determined to escape a survival bunker she's being held hostage within. The movie earned strong reviews and ends on something of a cliffhanger, but a direct sequel has never materialized.

There has been a steady increase of new releases this fall with films like Smile and Don't Worry Darlingbreathing fresh air into the horror and psychological thriller genres. Both these films have weird endings that either change how audiences viewed the movie or continue a story they thought was over.

R.I.P.D. was one of the biggest box office bombs of the 21st century, which makes it strange that Universal not only greenlit the movie but has already shot it. The film is seemingly complete without having ever been announced and being shot in complete secrecy, but it isn't the first movie production that was kept from general audiences. And, sometimes, secrets were even kept from the cast and crew.

Some science-fiction films such Everything Everywhere All at Once earn praise for their overall quality, but other sci-fi movies couldn't quite stick the landing. The history of film is littered with great science-fiction movies that dropped the ball when it came to their endings.

Prey is Dan Trachtenberg's latest directorial credit and is moving closer to its release date of August 5, 2022, shedding new light on his previous work that reflects his similarly unique style. The rising director has been in the industry since 2003, however, his portfolio is quickly becoming an impressive one with director credits for The Boys, Black Mirror, Waterworld, and The Lost Symbol.