psalfate
Joined Oct 2000
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psalfate's rating
Reviews18
psalfate's rating
Knock at the Cabin," the latest offering from M. Night Shyamalan, once a master of twists and psychological depth, unfortunately falls short of the high expectations set by his earlier works. The film, intended to be a suspenseful, cabin-in-the-woods thriller, ends up being a lackluster experience, marred by subpar performances and a narrative that feels both underdeveloped and overreaching. From the outset, the movie struggles to establish a coherent tone. Shyamalan, known for his ability to build tension and create atmospheres thick with anticipation, seems to have lost his touch here. The build-up of any intense moment is either too abrupt or non-existent, leaving the audience in a state of confusion rather than suspense. This is a significant departure from the carefully crafted pacing seen in his classics like "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable."The acting in "Knock at the Cabin" is another aspect that leaves much to be desired. The performances are unconvincing and lack the emotional depth necessary to draw the viewer into the story. This is particularly disappointing considering the potential of the premise. A story set in a confined space with high stakes should be ripe for powerful, nuanced performances, but the cast fails to deliver. The characters come across as one-dimensional, making it challenging for the audience to empathize with their plight or invest in their journey. Narratively, the film struggles to establish a clear argument or purpose. Unlike Shyamalan's earlier works, which often presented a compelling central mystery or moral dilemma, "Knock at the Cabin" feels aimless. The plot lacks coherence, and the motives of the characters are either too obscure or too simplistic. This vagueness could have been an asset if handled with the director's former subtlety and finesse, turning ambiguity into a tool for suspense and engagement. Instead, it leaves the audience disengaged and perplexed, undermining any potential investment in the story's outcome. Moreover, the film fails to capitalize on its setting and premise. A cabin, isolated and surrounded by the unknown, should be the perfect backdrop for a psychological thriller. However, the location feels underutilized, serving more as a bland container for the action rather than an integral part of the story. The opportunity for using the environment to enhance the narrative tension is missed, further diminishing the film's impact. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of "Knock at the Cabin" is the absence of the signature Shyamalan twist. In his best works, the twist not only surprises but also recontextualizes the entire narrative, adding depth and meaning. Here, the lack of such a moment leaves the story feeling incomplete and unsatisfying. It's as if the film builds towards a revelation that never comes, leaving the audience waiting for a payoff that never materializes. In conclusion, "Knock at the Cabin" is a missed opportunity. What could have been a thrilling, thought-provoking addition to Shyamalan's oeuvre instead feels like a haphazardly assembled collection of underdeveloped ideas. The lack of compelling characters, a coherent narrative, and the absence of the director's trademark twist, all contribute to a film experience that is, regrettably, more tedious than tantalizing. For fans of Shyamalan's earlier work, this movie will likely be a disappointment, serving as a reminder of the director's past heights rather than a testament to his current abilities.
Completely unfair rating, good psychological thriller, must watch it and decide for yourself.
I've seen so many movies with more rating than this one and are pure crap.
I've seen so many movies with more rating than this one and are pure crap.