M. Night Shyamalan‘s next written and directed horror movie “Knock at the Cabin” has just received an R-rating by the MPA (Motion Picture Association) for violence and language. This is surprising, since Shyamalan hasn’t made an R-rated horror film since 2008’s “The Happening.” His other forays into gene- “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” “The Village,” “Split,” “The Visit,” and “Old”- are all rated PG or PG-13.
Shyamalan certainly seems thrilled to be back. “I will tell you this: strangely, it was the fastest script I’ve ever written. Signs would have had that title prior to Knock at the Cabin,” he said. “I probably think, in terms of both of them, that they have this movement, this event, that causes me to write it really fast. Hopefully, audiences will feel that when they come to see it… It is definitely in the wheelhouse of the things you’re seeing from me now, especially with [Apple TV+ series] Servant, this contained and gigantic event that’s occurring.”
“Knock at the Cabin” is an adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s 2018 novel, “The Cabin at the End of the World.” It was a huge hit, and was even praised by the likes of horror icon Stephen King. Shyamalan developed the script and filmed it in secret. “Most of my novels, including ‘A Head Full of Ghosts,’ riff on other films and novels,” Tremblay said. “’The Cabin at the End of the World’ is itself a reaction to the home invasion film subgenre. Most of me is excited and intrigued at the prospect of seeing my story reimagined or refracted on screen.”
The plot revolves around a family vacationing in a remote cabin. They are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand they make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to information, the family has to decide if they believe them or not before time runs out.
The cast includes Dave Bautista (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Rupert Grint (“Servant”) Nikki Amuka-Bird (“Old”), Ben Aldridge (“Pennyworth”), and Jonathan Groff (“Mindhunter”). “Knock at the Cabin” is slated for theatrical release on February 3rd, 2023. Check out the trailer below:
