Knock at the Cabin (2023) Movie Review

M. Night Shyamalan's fascination with the end of the world has been a hit-or-miss affair, with his films often falling short of their potential. From the absurdity of "The Happening" to the box office flop "After Earth," his attempts to explore human behavior in the face of the apocalypse have frequently fallen flat. Unfortunately, his latest offering, "Knock at the Cabin," is no exception.

While the film boasts an impressive, earthy aesthetic courtesy of co-cinematographers Jarin Blaschke and Lowell A. Meyer, and a standout performance from Dave Bautista, its storyline fails to deliver. The movie centers around Leonard (Bautista), a second-grade teacher from Chicago who, along with three other people, has had life-changing visions of the apocalypse. Together, they approach a cabin in the woods, armed with sharp weapons and a plan to enact violence, but not harm the innocent people inside.

The intended targets of their violence are young Wen (Kristen Cui) and her two dads, Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge). The trio is tied up in chairs, and faced with a terrible choice: kill one of their own to stop an impending apocalypse or suffer the consequences. The family's refusal to comply with their captors' demands unleashes a series of natural disasters, including deadly earthquakes and towering tsunamis.

While the film's ensemble cast delivers uniformly intense performances, even when the writing falls short, the overall effect is underwhelming. Shyamalan's attempts to use the threat of the apocalypse as a morality study ultimately hollow out, leaving viewers with a forgettable film that fails to deliver the resonance it promises.

Despite the film's shortcomings, it cannot be denied that the cinematography is a major highlight. The scenes of characters standing in the same living room are transformed into striking studies of pleading faces in close-up, thanks to the talent of Blaschke and Meyer.

Bautista's performance as Leonard is also a standout, as he portrays a tough and tattooed teddy bear with a gentle inner nature. His acting is disarming and often moving, particularly in his portrayal of a man struggling with the unthinkable.

However, the film's plot ultimately falls short, leaving the ensemble cast and impressive visuals to carry the weight. Shyamalan's intention to create a morality study is admirable, but it is not executed in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

In conclusion, "Knock at the Cabin" is a minor work from a director whose films have been mostly major. While the cinematography and performances are impressive, the film fails to resonate with viewers due to its underdeveloped storyline. It is a shame that a film with so much potential ends up being forgettable in the end.

The central premise of the film - a group of strangers holding a family hostage and forcing them to make an impossible decision - is intriguing, but the execution falls short. The characters are not fully developed, and their motivations and actions are often confusing and inconsistent. The film attempts to explore the themes of morality, sacrifice, and human nature, but the ideas are never fully fleshed out.

One of the major issues with "Knock at the Cabin" is that it feels like a rehash of Shyamalan's previous works. The film includes many of the director's trademark elements, such as a twist ending and a focus on spirituality and metaphysical concepts. However, these elements feel tired and overused, and they do not add anything new or exciting to the film.

Overall, "Knock at the Cabin" is a missed opportunity. The film has its moments of visual and emotional impact, but it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying story or message. It is a forgettable addition to Shyamalan's filmography, and it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression on audiences.