Entertainment

What's The Song In The New 'Cloverfield' Trailer?

by Vannessa Jackson

Fans were shocked on Friday to learn that the 2008 film Cloverfield would be getting a sequel this year. 10 Cloverfield Lane premieres in March, and will star John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr., and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The trailer, which has already been released, has gotten major buzz from excited fans. There may have only been three humans in the trailer, but there was a fourth character present — the music. It built as the action of the trailer built, and then abruptly cut out when the shocks started rolling in. But what was the song in the 10 Cloverfield Lane trailer?

The iconic song, "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James & The Shondells, received a creepy modern update in the new Cloverfield trailer. It's an impressive feat to turn a classic '60s gem into a nightmarish horror anthem, but they nailed it. While this song was originally released and performed by Tommy James & The Shondells, if you're a bit younger, you may remember the cover performed by 80's teen pop sensation Tiffany better. Tiffany's version of the song was also featured in the films Ted and Ted 2.

"I Think We're Alone Now" has been a staple in American popular culture for years, and yet you can't help but feel a creepy anxiety flood over you when the Cloverfield trailer first begins. There is always something scary about old music playing in a horror film, and this sequel definitely banked on that. Nothing was done to the original mix to make it scarier; it's just the sound of happy tunes blasting when there is impending calamity that makes it all the more terrifying.

However, that same terror it elicits is also the reason this song is perfect for this trailer, because you never really "see it coming." You never know that you should be afraid for your life, because happy music usually signals happier times. This song is the perfect build up. It tricks the audience into thinking this is a happy-go-lucky old school family film, when, in fact, the worst is yet to come. By the time they cut the music and get to the real event, it's too late, and you're already along for the ride.

This trailer definitely proved that you don't have to say anything to tell a story. The music said it all, and, at the end of the day, it worked to build a lot of anticipation for the film — especially considering J.J. Abrams will once again be involved in this project as a producer, so you know it's going to be good. The film debuts in less than two months on March 11. One thing is I can say for sure after seeing the trailer: I don't think they're alone. Watch the trailer again below.

Image: ParamountPictures/YouTube