'Knocking on the Cabin' opens an exciting door into what the end of the world means

Hide away in a remote retreat, bathed in an eerie aura that'll have you gripping your seat tighter

There's a whiff of Shyamalan's earlier triumphs, like "Signs," and a hint of "The Rapture," but "Knock at the Cabin" truly steals the show with its chilling take on the apocalypse's end. Michael Tolkien's unsettling exploration of 1991's apocalypse takes a backseat to this gripping spectacle.

With a swift jump into the narrative, the plot thickens as seven-year-old Win (Christine Choi) and her adoptive dads, Eric and Andrew (Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge), retreat to a secluded hideaway for some R&R. A quartet of unexpected visitors drops by, predicting dire consequences and life-altering choices. Their intimidating leader, Leonard (Dave Bautista from "Guardians of the Galaxy"), poses a chilling ultimatum: Forgo one family member to save mankind, or face global destruction. If the trio refuses, humanity meets its doom.

While the intruders put up a convincing show, Leonard and his crew eventually understand the absurdity of their proposition. They back up their demand with eyewitness accounts of a catastrophic event – a horrifying event they call a plague – every time Eric and Andrew rebel. Unfortunately for them, Andrew remains skeptical, suspecting these strangers of leading an apocalyptic cult.

Shyamalan, partaking in scriptwriting duties with Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, deftly utilizes flashbacks to delve into Eric and Andrew's shared history, from encountering their adoptive parents and battling prejudice to forging their loving relationship. Shyamalan initiates the story with several artistic freedoms, which notices Andrew and fuels his lingering suspicion of hidden hostility under this peculiar scenario. (An aside, this week's "The Last of Us" on HBO chronicles another story of a strong gay couple, proving that the genre is increasingly progressive in its representation).

What's more, "Knock at the Cabin" manages to maintain its brevity, with a runtime scarcely exceeding 100 minutes, sidestepping the risk of overstaying its welcome. Subtle performances from Nikki Amuka-Bird, Abby Queen, and Rupert Grint keep the tension building. Furthermore, Hadis Steffansdottir's powerful soundtrack further enhances the atmosphere.

Having thrived with "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable" early in his career, Shyamalan's downward spiral may have been inevitable. But his recent creative resurgence displays determination, even venturing into television. As a result, from "Knock Knock" to "Split" and "Glass," Shyamalan's recent bold decisions have generally resulted in improved outcomes.

"Knock at the Cabin" is set to hit theaters on February 3, rated R in the US.

Additional Insights

• Theatrical Success: Despite mixed reviews, "Knock at the Cabin" has proved to be a commercial success, earning more than double its production budget in its opening weekend[1].
• Horror Genre: The film has been praised for its ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued throughout the movie[1].
• Character Development: Reviewers have been divided on the film's character development, with some applauding its emotional depth and others criticizing its illogical twists and turns[1].

[1] IMDb - Knock at the Cabin