Since his beloved starting film and horror classic The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan has made a name for himself as one of the most divisive filmmakers working today. Almost all of his films have divided audiences and critics. Personally, I truly respect Shyamalan for making whatever he wants and pushing it out into theaters. Even if his films disappoint, they always make for an unforgettable theater experience. 

Knock at the Cabin centers around a couple with a young daughter who receives a, you guessed it, knock at their cabin. It comes from four mysterious people, who promptly enter their cabin with heavy hearts. They inform this family that they have to sacrifice one of their own or the world will end. From its quieter dialogues with an abundance of heart to its fascinating armageddon sequences, I thoroughly enjoyed Knock at the Cabin from start to finish. Despite a solid chunk of the film being conversations (albeit tense ones), I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. While there was great acting across the board here, Jonathan Groff and Dave Bautista were my personal standouts. I have loved Groff’s work for a while, so it was a delight to see him lead a film like this as well as he does. Bautista, on the other hand, is an actor I have not been sold on the talent of too much before. However, he really worked for me here. He absolutely nailed the character of the lead cultist Leonard, who manages to be both scary and also incredibly endearing and charming. As the year goes on, he may be topped, but right now I believe what Bautista does is here Oscar-worthy.

The film is absolutely thrilling and effective on an emotional level. Shyamalan creates an incredibly impactful atmosphere while managing to make you care for Eric, Andrew, and their young daughter Wen. I love that Shyamalan crafted this well-written gay love story that isn’t primarily about their sexuality. It feels natural and meaningful without it having to be all about them being gay. Instead, Eric and Andrew are just a couple that has a deep love for one another. The 90 minute runtime also flies by: you arrive, you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time, then the film ends without dragging for a beat. That being said, I do feel like a bit more time should have been given to the ending, as it was a tad rushed and some extra build up would have left more of a mark.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. It’s an expertly crafted thriller with a wonderful family story at its core. Its fascinating performances and engaging filmmaking made for a memorable experience. Like most Shyamalan films, it’s not made for everyone, but I would highly recommend it if you are a fan of his other work.

8/10