Madison Meeks – Opinion Editor

mvm7037@psu.edu

“Knock at the Cabin” is an apocalyptic horror film that was released into American cinemas on Feb. 3. Unlike most modern apocalypse-based films, “Knock” takes on a more psychological element.

The film is based on the 2018 novel “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul G. Tremblay. Out of the author’s five novels, this is the first adaptation of one of Tremblay’s works.

The horror flick stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka- Bird, Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint.

The film starts with 7-year-old protagonist Wen, who is on vacation in a remote cabin with her two dads, Eric and Andrew. As the child is catching grasshoppers around the cabin, she notices a strange man lurking. At first weary, Wen is calmed as the man introduces himself as Leonard. Though believed to be friendly, Leonard turns sinister when he explains to Wen that her family is needed to save the world. Noticing that three other strangers are approaching, Wen then runs off to tell her parents.

Quickly, the strangers then break into the cabin and incapacitate Eric and Andrew. Upon waking up tied and gagged, the strangers explain they saw visions of the world ending. In cataclysmic fashion, oceans rose, pandemics infected, and the sky eventually fell. The only way the world will survive is if the family sacrifices one of the three of them. 

While the film’s premise is quite outlandish, the various ways in which the world could end connect heavily with modern sociopolitical worries. 

At first, Eric and Andrew suspect that they were targeted out of hate. Their beliefs are soon swayed as they realize the gravity of their circumstance. Is their family the key to saving the world from impending doom? 

The film has already grossed 52 million dollars worldwide in the first few weeks of being released. Critics have generally reviewed the film positively. 

Overall, ‘Knock at the Cabin” is generally a good movie for anyone who likes psychological horror films. I will say I did not find the film particularly scary. The only real terrors were due to the psychological circumstances the characters faced. 

Each actor in the film was incredible in their respective roles; however, Kristen Cui, who plays 7-year-old Wen, was perfect. The young actor deserves an academy award for her ability to sell fear on her face.

Horror fans need to check out this psychological trip.