I am in a love-hate relationship with the director M. Night Shyamalan. He has created fantastically complex films, including The Sixth Sense and (my favourite horror film) Signs, and has an outstanding ability of storytelling. However, over the past 20 years, Shyamalan has struggled under the weight of his success, primarily making films that are considered mediocre at best (The Last Airbender is sitting comfortably at 5% on Rotten Tomatoes). When Knock at the Cabin was released to higher praise, I hoped that Shyamalan had upped his game, and though this film has some redeeming qualities, the end result left me down.
One of the joys of Shyamalan’s films is the plotlines, and their initial, suggested simplicity. The films lead viewers to question and doubt their judgement constantly, leaving for a unique cinematic experience, and the same appeared true for Knock at the Cabin. The film sees a family’s isolated cabin holiday invaded by four people with weapons claiming the family has to make an impossible decision to save the world. This apocalyptic theme had a lot of potential that is never utilised to its full potential. The setting restricts the plot, and though the confines of the cabin create tension, the film itself feels restrained and rather dull as a sad result. I never knew I could be bored in the middle of the apocalypse until this film.
Dave Bautista has recently stated he wants to step away from comedy acting and attempt more serious roles. With his character Leonard he manages to convince with a display of mental and physical struggle over his choices throughout, that gains the audience’s empathy. Though Bautista is the clear saving grace of the film, he is joined by an array of good performances from all other actors, which on one hand is great to see, however you cannot help but wish they were in another cabin in another, interesting film.
The staple of any Shyamalan film is the “What the…?” ending. Typically featuring a twist so shocking that the film can never be watched the same again. Without spoiling it, there is arguably a twist in this film, yet the word arguably is key here. I was so disinterested and disappointed with the ending of this film, that the fact there was a slight twist, washed over me completely.
This is a hard film to review as anything I say could be considered a spoiler, particularly when I feel inclined to talk about the terrible decisions this movie makes in its third act However, I can say that this film had a lot of potential, with an interesting premise and complex characters, yet it all ultimately feels wasted. I saw a critic say “This film stays with you for days after seeing it,” which is actually true. I’m still thinking about the seven quid I wasted on this film.
2/5