B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the ol’ B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin into the VCR. 

Before I begin (to tear this movie apart), I feel the need to include one of my trademark disclaimers. If you’re new to my writing or new to the blog, here’s the spiel: 

The great thing about movies is that we can discuss and debate them. Just because I think a movie is great doesn’t make it a good movie, and just because I think a movie is awful doesn’t make it a bad movie. Also, making a movie is extremely difficult and incredibly badass, and I don’t want to detract from the process. 

That being said, let’s jump into Knock at the Cabin. 

It takes a lot for me to walk out of the movie theater irritated, but unfortunately, this was the case with Shyamalan’s latest. 

Pictured – me, as I wished Jonathan Groff would carry me away from this movie. 

There are very few hills I’m willing to die on, but I’ll give you one: Sir David Bautista carried this movie (sometimes literally). Truly. I honestly don’t know if I would’ve made it through the entire movie without him. 

I also believe this adaptation would’ve been a lot stronger as a play. I think using a rotating stage and theatrical effects would’ve been brilliant and more effective. You have Jonathan Groff, a known thespian, for crying out loud. USE HIM IN HIS ELEMENT. 

Additionally, the pacing of this film is truly wild. For the majority of the film, the characters speak with the same cadence of Lorelai Gilmore at Luke’s Diner…for no reason. I understand Shyamalan is trying to establish a sense of urgency, but it’s distracting. 

My last big piece of beef with Knock at the Cabin is the lack of payoff. There are several throw-away lines throughout the movie that could’ve really turned the tide for me. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but pay attention to what each visitor says when they introduce themselves, and see if you come to the same conclusion I did. Then, wait for another hour and watch as nothing ever comes back. 

Sigh. 

Let’s go back to Dave Bautista. I’ll say this: Shyamalan really lets him shine. I recommend watching the movie to watch Bautista show off his chops and remind us he’s more than Drax. 

I know I really dragged this movie, but it’s not like it’s the end of the world.

Or is it?

Knock at the Cabin is now streaming on Peacock.