When J.J. Abrams’ Cloverfield made its theatrical debut in 2008, no one could have predicted his creature feature would spawn a cinematic universe currently spanning three movies with a rumored fourth planned.

Enter the award-winning sci-fi short film MEGAN, co-written and directed by visual effects (VFX) master Greg Strasz.

Strasz, who was VFX supervisor for Independence Day: Resurgence and VFX art director for White House Down, conceived the short as an unofficial adjunct to J.J. Abrams’ “Cloververse.”

MEGAN stars Matilda Lutz as the same character referred to but never seen in the film 10 Cloverfield Lane. She is the daughter of character Howard Stampler (John Goodman), a troubled man obsessed by conspiracy theories involving the end of the world.

In the short film, Megan is aboard a military Black Hawk helicopter sent to investigate a strange phenomenon affecting her city. Onboard with her is Ganu Yoshida (Garret Sato), a mysterious civilian observer.

When her helicopter crashes, Megan discovers she and Yoshida may be the only survivors. When another enigmatic figure (Ralf Moeller) arrives at the crash site, she realizes a global conspiracy is at work.

In attempting to describe MEGAN, two adjectives come to mind: cinematic and spectacular. This short looks as good as the Cloverfield movies it pays homage to.

Given the pedigree of its production team, this is not surprising.

‘MEGAN’ director Greg Strasz (center) on set.

Director and co-writer Greg Strasz has an illustrious career in the VFX industry, having worked on many notable television series and films, such as 2012 and The Triangle.

Co-written by Strasz, Giuseppe Mercadante, and Jean de Meuron, the short’s brief narrative is tightly woven and laced with mystery, tension, and nods to the Cloverfield universe.

Director of Photography Markus Förderer in collaboration with VFX Supervisors Olcun Tan and Strasz bring their distinct visions to bear on the project - resulting in making you feel the world of MEGAN has enveloped you and snatched you along on its journey.

The music score by Iris Wallner and kinetic editing of Zimo Huang combine with the rest of the exemplary production team’s efforts to create a vivid and darkly alluring world.

It’s important to note, VFX studio Gradient Effects - the firm behind effects for Stranger Things and Thor: Ragnarok - used the latest in cutting-edge software to make the short 8K resolution ready.

This also accounts for why MEGAN is such a singular viewing experience.

Please check out our interview with director and co-writer Greg Strasz, and watch MEGAN in all its stunning spectacle here…

MEGAN is a filmmaking achievement and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot production house should consider folding it into official Cloverfield canon.

Experience our official podcast Eye On Sci-Fi. Join host and The 7th Matrix founder Rod T. Faulkner as he spotlights terrific indie SFF short films and web series.

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