a monster-ravaged war-zone and onto certain death, while Lily – the rational, balanced, voice of reason – survives. She is the quiet, yet constant counter-balance to his loud impulsiveness throughout the film, and she ultimately glides away to safety as he, his rescued princess, and their passive observer die with the dragon.

This is the beauty of Cloverfield. We assume it is one thing, but it is actually another. It is shot through the male gaze, but provides a juxtaposition of what the consequences of that might be by having two different men behind the lens at different times. Rob films Beth from a romantic perspective, and so she is objectified – depicted as a prize to be won, and a passive princess to be saved. Hud films Lily and Marlena from a perspective of straight...

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