The film is told from the perspective of Rob, who is filming his friend's going-away party. As the night progresses, they witness strange events in the city, culminating in a massive, unidentified creature destroying landmarks and wreaking havoc. The film follows the friends as they try to find a way to escape the city and make it to safety.
Here's a breakdown of the plot:
* The Found Footage Format: The entire movie is presented as if it's footage shot by Rob's handheld camera. This adds a sense of realism and immediacy to the events.
* The Monster Attack: The monster, known as "Clover," is a giant, vaguely reptilian creature that emerges from the ocean and attacks New York City. Its origins are never explained, but its presence is enough to send the city into chaos.
* The Friends' Journey: The friends struggle to navigate the city's mayhem, trying to find out what's happening and escape the monster's wrath. They face dangers from both the monster and the panicking crowds.
* The Ambiguous Ending: The film ends with Rob's camera recording the destruction of the creature and then abruptly cutting out. The fate of the friends is left unclear, adding a sense of mystery and leaving room for speculation.
Beyond the plot, Cloverfield is known for:
* Its innovative use of the found footage style.
* The chilling depiction of a city under attack.
* The mysterious nature of the monster and its motivations.
* The film's impact on the monster movie genre.
Cloverfield was a critical and commercial success, spawning a franchise with two sequels, "10 Cloverfield Lane" and "The Cloverfield Paradox."