“Knock at the Cabin”‘ is a captivating thriller by veteran filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, which was released on February 3rd via Universal.
It is intense, moving, and heartbreaking. This home invasion thriller extends to an end-of-the-world nightmare. It evokes a wide spectrum of raw emotions, and M. Night Shyamalan proves to be a master of the suspense genre, and a true visionary.
The synopsis is: While on vacation at a remote cabin, a girl Wen (played by young acting prodigy Kristen Cui) and her parents Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are taken hostage by four armed strangers that demand that the family make a choice to avert the apocalypse.
With limited access to the outside world, this family must decide what they believe before all is lost.
Wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista is extraordinary in the role of the intimidating introducer Leonard (and leader of the armed group), and he delivers a controlled and layered performance as the zealot.
Jonathan Groff soars as the benevolent Eric, while Ben Aldridge is a revelation as Andrew. Rupert Grint (of “Harry Potter” fame) shows his villainous side as Redmond, and Kristen Cui is a breath of fresh air as Wen. It is filled with tension, and the consequences of one’s choices are also illustrated.
It is a film where the family dynamics are tested, and it underscores such themes as faith vs. reality, self-sacrifice, and the significance of family. Several Biblical prophesies are also explored in this creepy yet riveting film.
Shyamalan’s direction is brilliant, and his characters are stimulating thanks to its thorough character development. Its story lures you in from the start, and it sustains your attention for its entire duration, and then some. With minimal twists and turns, it still works. The cinematography is creative and noteworthy.
The Verdict
There is an honesty, simplicity, and authenticity to “Knock at the Cabin” like no other. It is one of M. Night Shyamalan’s best works in years, and it will keep fans on the edge of their seats (and some even biting their nails).
The musical score by composer Herdis Stefansdottir is stirring, and it adds to the film’s overall appeal.
This is a psychological apocalyptic horror movie that will leave the audience talking for days after, and it will even make some viewers feel uneasy and uncomfortable. “Knock at the Cabin” garners an A- rating.
