Movies with Isaiah: 'A Knock at the Cabin' receives 8 out of 10

M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most creative, innovative directors. "Unbreakable," "The Sixth Sense," "Signs," "Split," "Glass," "The Village" and "The Visit" are all quality cinematic outings that cemented his place in film history.

There came a period when he had significant misfires of less-than-mediocre releases that had many question whether he was still capable of greatness. Shyamalan, during his period of setbacks, became labeled as a hit-or-miss director. His career began to surge again with releases of "The Visit," "Split" and "Glass." I have come to the overall conclusion that Shyamalan is our modern-day Alfred Hitchcock, particularly when it pertains to his ability in crafting authentic forms of suspense, tension and horror without it appearing forced.

His latest production titled "A Knock at the Cabin" offers an interesting premise with a story that brings forth chilling parallels with our current existence. The film tells the story of a family vacationing in a rural, remote area of Pennsylvania. Their moment of family peace and bliss becomes shattered at the appearance of four strangers believing they're on a mission in preventing the apocalypse. Holding the family hostage, they explain how a sacrifice is necessary or else billions of human lives will perish.

"A Knock at the Cabin's" synopsis is straight to the point with its presentation by avoiding becoming too engrossed in unnecessary details. As the film progresses, the viewers find themselves entrenched with a natural intense thriller that's been missing for quite some time. Where Shyamalan succeeds with this film is remembering in various scenes that ambiguity is generally the best way of approaching stories of this scope. The characters of Leonard, Adriane, Sabrina and Redmond differ immensely from past archetypes who are forced into committing horrific acts or willingly participate in such atrocities.

The direction of the four strangers separates them from standard, formulaic villains. With further examination of their beliefs, it immediately becomes apparent that none of them are horrible human beings. They're not evil, malicious or take any joy in what they believe must be done in order to save humanity. Each of them gives the everlasting and emotional impression that they're truly decent, sincere, honest individuals fearing that if their mission isn't complete the world will end. In hindsight, you can't find it in yourself to hate them under any circumstance.

Retired professional wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista is the absolute highlight of this film with his magnetic, chilling and tense performance. Every film he's part of indicates continued impressive improvement. He portrays the leader of the group, Leonard, a former second-grade teacher, claiming to have seen the exact same visions as his three counterparts. What's remarkable about his acting abilities is each scene he exudes a commanding presence of pure intimidation, and yet, at the very core of his heart lives a kind-hearted, soft-spoken and fearful man who is frightened of the deed he believes has to be completed. Bautista gives a raw performance that clearly is indicative of an actor who's on the road to possibly winning an Academy Award in the future.

As I have stated before in past reviews, there is nothing more terrifying than an individual keeping his or her rage at a simmering boiling point. Bautista's character, Leonard, completely fits that absolute definition of carrying himself as a force of nature. It's unreal how naturally he acts in the role. Scenes of creepy, chilling, heart-pounding imagery are what make Shyamalan a household name in the world of cinema. While not a spoiler since it's in the trailer, the scene where Wen sees Leonard approaching her slowly from the distance in the middle of nowhere is authentic nightmare and frightening imagery. Experiencing the sensation of the mysterious unknown in the middle of nowhere, not knowing a person's intentions, is quite terrifying.

All of the performances are genuine and pure quality in regard to how one or a few would react under plausible or insane theories presented. "A Knock at the Cabin" is a provocative, thought-provoking, intense and suspenseful form of cinema that will leave viewers with the thought process of whether the four strangers were sincere, or were they delusional?

My only complaint regarding the film was the use of flashback sequences exploring the characters of the family in bondage. I would've preferred every scene strictly took place in the cabin, continuing the momentum of the ever-increasing suspense. The constant back and forth between tension and flashbacks became jarring at many points. Shyamalan finds himself returning to true form with the release of this electric, magnetic film. I'd love to see what he'd accomplish with an actual gritty, dark and emotional apocalyptic tale with his uncanny eye for visuals, tone and chilling atmosphere.

I give "A Knock at the Cabin" a solid 8/10 and two thumbs up. The film is highly recommended and intriguing with mysterious mystique. Gruesome violence, language and mature themes make this viewing not recommended or appropriate for children. For me, this might be Shyamalan's best offering since "Unbreakable," which is a masterpiece. If you haven't watched "Unbreakable," please do so whenever the chance arrives.

The end of this film changed my perspective on a lot of the mysteries of life and the perception of the unknown overall. That is the mark of a great story of being able to leave a cementing, memorable impression, and "A Knock at the Cabin" provides that method of storytelling. My next review will focus on the 2023 comedy "80 For Brady."

Isaiah Ridley works at Beacon Cinemas in Sumter. To watch his movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.