PLOT
A family on vacation in a remote cottage in the woods is taken captive by four strangers. The kidnappers then admit that one of the family members must be sacrificed to prevent an impending apocalypse and that they are there to save the planet.
REVIEW
“Knock at the Cabin” merely reinforces M. Night Shyamalan’s continued professional decline. His most recent movie is a suspense thriller with elements of the Biblical end-of-the-world, but you somehow leave the theater underwhelmed.
In addition to being a complete change from his past works, the movie also stands out since the plot contains no surprises, a characteristic that has distinguished most of his earlier works. This movie, which was only filmed in one place, fails to engage viewers or convey a sense of the world’s end.
This movie is weak and uninspiring. The simple idea offers various opportunities to terrify and chill audiences, but this movie sadly lacks any. It is about a remote cottage in the woods where only three people live before being taken, hostage. The hostages are armed with terrible weapons, but neither the spectators nor the hostages feel threatened.
The movie also explores psychological mind games, although the writing doesn’t do such scenes credit. The flashback sections that emphasize key events in Eric and Andrews’ past are the only fascinating elements of the film. Tense events make up a large portion of the movie, although they are only sporadically effective and end in disappointment.
Leonard, played by Dave Bautista, who is driven to finish the job, stands out among the cast. Despite having the benefit of “physicality,” he maintains his composure and comes across as an adult. The young daughter of the family, Wen, who Kristen portrayed, also plays a role that makes an impression.
Her first interactions with Bautista are moving. Many unresolved issues that will definitely be on viewers’ minds are left unsolved in this thriller that is based on a Paul Tremblay novel. It is unknown why Wen’s family was to make the sacrifice. The story also skips over, describing the background of the home intruders.
Rating – Two out of five stars.
Sadly, despite showing a previously unseen side of Shyamalan, the film achieves nothing to revive his waning career. If this thriller offers any support to die-hard Shyamalan admirers, it is an improvement over his earlier flops.
Mr Night Shyamalan directs the movie. In addition to M. Night Shyamalan, the producers include Ashwin Rajan and Marc Bienstock. Ben Aldridge, Kristen Cui, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint are among the actors who appear in it together with Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, and others. The movie debuted in theaters on February 3, 2023. It will be streamable after being available for at least 30 to 45 days after its release.
