Cloverfield (2008) is a found-footage sci-fi thriller that chronicles the chaos and terror of a mysterious monster attack on New York City, all captured through the lens of a handheld camera.

The story begins with a group of friends attending a farewell party for Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David), who is leaving for a new job in Japan.

During the festivities, their night is disrupted by a sudden explosion and a citywide blackout. Venturing outside, they witness a giant creature wreaking havoc across Manhattan, destroying buildings and unleashing smaller, deadly parasitic creatures.

As panic spreads, Rob and his friends—Hud (T.J. Miller), Marlena (Lizzy Caplan), and Lily (Jessica Lucas)—attempt to navigate the chaos to rescue Rob’s love interest, Beth (Odette Yustman), who is trapped in her apartment. Along the way, they encounter military efforts to combat the creature and witness the devastation firsthand.

The film’s shaky, first-person perspective creates a visceral and immersive experience, heightening the tension and fear. Cloverfield blends intense action with emotional stakes as the group struggles to survive amid the destruction, culminating in an ambiguous and haunting conclusion. It leaves audiences captivated and unsettled, wondering about the origins and aftermath of the monstrous event.