Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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THE CABIN — M. Night Shyamalan is back with an all-new nightmare for all of us. This time around, there are no ignorant ghosts, aquaphobic aliens or homicidal flora. This time around, Shyamalan focuses on a family of three enjoying a weekend away when four strangers show up, telling them they must sacrifice a member of their household or the world will end.
I'm not here to give you my thoughts on the film, but to give you an idea of how "Knock at the Cabin" earned its R rating.
Is it appropriate for you or your family? I don't know — only you can make that call. I'm just here to pass along some information so you can decide whether "Knock at the Cabin" is up your alley and worth satisfying your curiosity.
Here is how "Knock at the Cabin" earned its R rating.
Sex
Sex is not a theme in the movie. If I recall correctly, there aren't any sexual jokes or references. The married couple at the center of the conflict, Andrew and Eric, may briefly kiss in one scene, but that's the extent of any sexuality in the film. No scantily clad women, bare-chested men or love scenes.
Language
While "Knock at the Cabin" earned an R rating because of language, it is not a constant barrage of curse words.
There are about 20 F-words throughout the film, and they are spaced out and don't all come in one shot, nor are they constant throughout the run time. With that said, there is enough language to garner the rating.
In addition to some coarse language, there is plenty of talk about mass destruction, death, murder and suicide, as it pertains to the storyline.
Violence
The violence in "Knock at the Cabin" easily secured Shyamalan's second R rating in his theatrical catalog. I will avoid any spoilers, but there are multiple graphic on-screen deaths. While the killing blow is not always shown, the blood and bodies are.
The gore is moderate compared to many horror movies, but it is undoubtedly R rated.
Frightening
As I mentioned, the premise revolves around a family that must choose and then kill one of their own to, presumably, save the world. I don't want to give any spoilers, but each time the family says, "no," they are told thousands, if not millions, of people will be killed.
In addition to the cataclysms happening worldwide, some very intense moments create a great deal of anxiety and discomfort. The impossible situation the family is put in, plus the terror of what is happening right in front of them, is disturbing. The frightening aspect of the film doesn't include jump scares, but it is scary in a different way and is on par with an R-rated movie.
What you don't see on screen, you feel on a psychological level.
Conclusion
With movies like "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs" in his repertoire, some may think an R-rated Shyamalan film may be a bit tamer than a typical R movie. While "Knock at the Cabin" is not like some slasher movies with loads of language, graphic violence, grotesque blood and guts, I have to let you know this is an R-rated movie through and through.
Shyamalan isn't interested in showing you all of the gore to shock you, but he is setting a tone that will stick with you long after the credits roll. I believe "Knock at the Cabin" earned its R rating, which is the right call.
As for age-appropriateness, that's ultimately up to you. For myself, this is older teens and above, depending on your older teens' level of maturity and handling this kind of fare.
"Knock at the Cabin" is officially rated R for violence and language.
