‘Knock at the Cabin’: M. Night Shyamalan’s Best Film in Over 20 Years Nabs Positive First Reactions

Earlier this week I posted about how much I liked M Night Shyamalan’s “Knock at the Cabin.” I didn’t go into much detail since there is still an embargo on the film, but I will say this: the more I think about it, the more I believe this is probably Shyamalan’s best film in over 20 years.

No, really, from 1999-2004 Shyamalan had “The Sixth Sense”, “Unbreakable”, “Signs” “The Village” … and then the nadir period of his career began with “Lady in the Water,” “The Happening,” “The Last Airbender” and “After Earth” — four of the very worst movies of the 21st century, by anyone.

IndieWire editor Michael Nordine agrees:

Knock at the Cabin is M. Night Shyamalan's best movie in damn near 20 years. Bautista is always great but I don't think he's ever been as perfectly cast as he is here — one scene in particular (you'll know it when you see it) is legit spine-tingling

Other critics who were thrilled by “Knock at the Cabin” include Variety’s Jenelle Riley, Insider’s Jason Guerrasio, Uproxx’s Mike Ryan, Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell, THR’s Brian Davids and Total Film's Matt Martin.

I’m not expecting across-the-board raves for the film, but this is a “Split”- levelled success for him, and I do find “Knock at the Cabin” is a tighter and less problematic film that that one. It’s a nasty affair that barely holds back with the shocks.

“Knock at the Cabin” will be released in theaters next Friday.