I’ve been an M. Night Shyamalan fan for many many years now (except Last Airbender, not sorry), so when I saw the trailer for Knock at the Cabin I was eager to see his latest film. Though I don’t regret seeing this film, it wasn’t as good as some of his earlier movies, but it has it’s place.
A Note to the Reader
This is a Spoiler Free review, and therefore we will not be going into details to respect the film-lovers who have not yet seen the movie.
Also, this is my review, and my opinions. As with all things, I recommend watching it yourself and being your own judge in the end, but hope my review may provide you with some initial insight and some fun reading.
Thank you! 
Plot Summary
When four strangers show up at the cabin Eric, Andrew, and their daughter Wen are vacationing, they are presented with an impossible choice. Save their family, or the world.
What I Loved
Minimal to Zero Filler
The first thing to note, is that this movie has minimal filler. When the movie starts, there is hardly a warm prelude or buildup. We are simply thrown in to the meat and potatoes of what is transpiring. The eerie music, vague statements, the whole caboodle. Which, I really really appreciated. There was no, waiting for the movie to start like some films tend to do. It simply starts.
Actors
All of the actors did a superb job in this film. The star of the show for me was Bautista, hands down. His character is one of the four strangers that show up at the cabin. Though Bautista can’t contort his face into extreme expression like fellow wrestler turned actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, his acting comes through in his voice and how he carries himself. He kind of stole the movie if I’m being honest.
However, all the actors did great, and the fear, anxiety and terror they expressed felt more genuine than hammy overacting.
What I Didn’t Love
Predictable
This story, has been told multiple times before. A simple decision, from a random family or individual, and the fate of the world is decided. The first one that comes to my mind is Cabin in the Woods (2011). A group of college kids are chosen to decide the fate of the world by unknowingly participating (or not) in a ritual that occurs once a year.
Like that film, you know what the choice is, and it’s a 50/50 on which choice is going to be made. So we know where things are headed.
I Missed the Twist
I love Shyamalan’s movies for not only the storytelling, but the twists. And Knock at the Cabin just didn’t have the twist I was after. If it happened at all.
My husband pointed out that the choices made, were probably the twist. However, if so, that was a very underwhelming twist for me. Extremely. And ultimately why I scored this movie so low compared to his other films. I just expected so much more.
And perhaps that’s on me and I shouldn’t judge it as harshly. I know this film is based off the novel, The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay, which I have not read. So some of my issues may be due to the source material. I guess I’ll add it to my TBR to find out!
In Conclusion
Overall, a decent film, and I will probably buy it when it comes out, but not on the initial release. Of all his films, it’s definitely lower on the list.
If you’ve seen the film, without spoiling, let me know how you liked it or not!
I gave Knock at the Cabin
Until Next Time,
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