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‘Knock at the Cabin’: Puttin on your boogie shoes!
Reviewed by Alicia Glass
Spoilers be knockin’ too!
Based on the 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay, while on vacation at their cabin, a family is terrorized by a quartet of strangers who demand they make an impossible decision in order to avert the world-destroying apocalypse!
This is a strange one, even for Shymalan. The theme of “it’s just not enough” runs rampant throughout the film, whether it be character motivations, resolve, end results, or even proof of what these strangers are espousing. I could excuse the whole apocalypse news non-proof as a matter of faith, which isn’t supposed to be proven as a matter of course, but it’s not as if any of these characters had an actual religious revelation. Just speculation, and a leap of faith, not in any kind of deity, but the potential inherent goodness in humanity, at the very end. And if any of the characters, either Andrew and Eric or the apocalypse crew, had had some kind of massive revelation in that vein, the ending would’ve had a lot more punchy impact. As it was, things just kind of petered out in an exhausted fashion.
So Eric (Jonathon Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) genuinely love each-other, despite parental and societal objections, and personal shortcomings, to the point where they’re ready to have (adopt) a baby together. And Wen (Kristen Cui) truly is a miracle, scarred lip and Asian heritage and all. But the fact remains that our lovely gay couple have to pretend that one of them is the brother of a fictitious wife who mysteriously couldn’t be there on adoption day, otherwise it wouldn’t be allowed at all; Andrew’s parents drove seven hours to meet the love of his life and stayed for all of forty-five excruciating minutes of virtual silence; and then there’s the homophobic trash starting fights at a bar, that ended with Andrew traumatized and determined to defend himself and his love. (One of the few great things about the film is the clear demonstration of an expression, pardon me here: “Just because a man is gay, does not make him a p*ssy.”)
All these experiences had a tendency to have a kind of polarizing effect on Eric and Andrew, who are still together but now seem to have deepened into separate opinions on humanity – Andrew is, to my mind anyway, justifiably angry and wrathful, whereas Eric simply smiles beatifically, like an angel who forgives you no matter what you do, willingly suffering martyrdom or at the very least some massive head trauma, offered up like a sacrifice of love. And hey, speaking of sacrifices ….
None of that has been piecemealed out to the audience as yet, when Wen meets a large disturbing man while out hunting grasshoppers at the cabin. Leonard (Dave Bautista), is the gentle but insistent giant, leader of the quartet come here to present Eric and Andrew’s family with an impossible choice: voluntarily sacrifice someone of our trio, to save the whole world from the apocalypse, end of days, wtfever you want to call it.
With Leonard is a trio of believers, all claiming to have seen the same visions, seeing each-other wear the exact same colors as they invade the cabin, the horrific destruction of the world by fire and flood and plane-death, even the homemade apocalypse avatar weapons, all intent and terrified, but singularly determined. Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird) is, or was, a nurse practitioner, and deals violence with one hand while immediately trying to heal it with the other, hence a mightily contradictory character who still resolves to see this through to the end. Adriane (Abby Quinn) is the twitchy, nervously tic-ing line cook, the one who regards serving good food as a form of love and laughs a little too much, like she’s gone insane just by being here, which is about par for this course. And rounding out our foursome is Redmond (Rupert Grint), impatient and jittery and more prone to violence than any of the rest of them, the one who seems eerily familiar in fact, the first to suggest savagery to get Eric and Andrew to cooperate, and the first to die as a consequence.
Time is running out and though Leonard is profusely apologetic, we absolutely must continue with the attempts to save the world, there are rules to be followed, and we only get a few more chances. As if the calamitous news stories about planes falling out of the sky and catastrophic tsunamis consuming coastlines wasn’t enough, every time Eric and Andrew refuse to make a choice, a believer has to die and (another) plague is unleashed upon mankind. Seeing a stranger, fanatic zealot or not, get brutally slain with homemade doomsday weapons after voluntarily dropping to his/her knees and donning a white hood is disturbing, to say the very least. And yet, despite literally shaking in their boots and sobbing like the Niagara, our faithful are here to give it a few more last, desperate goes at saving the whole world!
There’s a general agreement that director Shyamalan’s films have been steadily going downhill since arguably his magnum opus The Sixth Sense, and Knock at the Cabin is no real exception. There isn’t really even any kind of twist or gotcha that Shyamalan’s known for – actual aliens, ghostly supernatural shenanigans, killer plants, centenarian-laced beaches, all of that and more is nowhere to be found in our Cabin. Just a very disquieting sense that two beleaguered gay men forced into being the deciders of the fate of humanity as a whole, to offer up their true, real love as a sacrifice to some seriously sh*tty (and yknow, occasionally murderous) other humans is highly inflammatory and judgmental. Maybe that’s what Shyamalan was going for, who knows? And as always, Shyamalan himself gets a cameo in the film, see if you can spot him!
Save your judgment for the very last scene and catch Knock at the Cabin in theaters now!
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
Pushpa: The Rise is a raw, adrenaline-fueled ride that showcases the underbelly of the red sandalwood smuggling trade in Andhra Pradesh. Directed by Sukumar, this movie brilliantly blends high-octane action with emotionally driven storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema and action dramas.
The narrative follows Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a laborer in the red sandalwood trade, as he climbs the ranks to become a powerful figure. Born into poverty and scorned for his illegitimacy, Pushpa’s journey is marked by grit, ambition, and a fierce sense of self-respect. The film deftly balances the action-packed rise of Pushpa with moments of vulnerability, particularly in his tumultuous romance with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna).
The antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), is introduced towards the film’s end, setting the stage for a gripping sequel. The climactic confrontation between Pushpa and Shekhawat is a masterclass in tension-building, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Pushpa: The Rule.
Allu Arjun: This is Allu Arjun’s film through and through. His transformation into Pushpa is a revelation, from his rugged look to his unapologetic demeanor. His mannerisms, including the now-iconic shoulder rub and dialogue delivery, make Pushpa an unforgettable character.
Rashmika Mandanna: While her role as Srivalli adds emotional depth to the story, it feels slightly underutilized. However, her chemistry with Allu Arjun is undeniable.
Fahadh Faasil: Despite limited screen time, Fahadh delivers a chilling performance as the cold and calculating Shekhawat. His presence promises an explosive conflict in the sequel.
Sukumar’s direction is stellar, balancing mass appeal with nuanced storytelling. The screenplay maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly weaving action sequences with character development. The film’s raw and grounded tone is a departure from the glossy feel of many mainstream Telugu films, adding authenticity to the story.
Mirosław Kuba Brożek’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the lush forests of Andhra Pradesh and the gritty world of the red sandalwood trade.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight. Tracks like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” became cultural phenomena, while the background score enhanced the film’s intensity.
Action Sequences: The action choreography is visceral and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing the film’s tone.
The film explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and self-respect. Pushpa’s refusal to bow down to societal norms resonates deeply, making him a relatable anti-hero. The story also critiques the systemic exploitation of laborers, adding a layer of social commentary.
Pushpa: The Rise is an exemplary action-drama that redefines the Telugu film industry’s global appeal. With a magnetic performance by Allu Arjun, stellar direction by Sukumar, and unforgettable music, it stands out as one of the best films of 2021. While it occasionally falters with some underdeveloped subplots, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular.
4.5/5 Pushpa: The Rise is a cinematic feast that deserves its cult status. Whether you’re a fan of Telugu action films or a newcomer, this film is a must-watch. Its cliffhanger ending ensures that Pushpa: The Rule will be even bigger and better.
Director: Prashanth Neel
Cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Srinidhi Shetty
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
KGF: Chapter 2 is an explosive sequel to the 2018 blockbuster KGF: Chapter 1. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the film elevates the gritty narrative of Rocky (played by Yash), a man who rises from poverty to become a feared and revered leader. The sequel builds on the success of the first chapter with an even grander scale, intense drama, and jaw-dropping action sequences.
The story picks up with Rocky establishing his dominance over the Kolar Gold Fields after eliminating his rival, Garuda. As the “king of KGF,” Rocky faces new challenges, including the vengeful Adheera (Sanjay Dutt), who returns to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Meanwhile, political power struggles arise, with Prime Minister Ramika Sen (Raveena Tandon) intent on curbing Rocky’s influence.
The film delves deeper into Rocky’s psyche, exploring his motivations, vulnerabilities, and unrelenting ambition. It balances high-octane action with emotional depth, as Rocky continues his fight for survival and legacy.
Yash’s Star Power: Yash’s portrayal of Rocky is magnetic. His intensity and swagger make the character larger-than-life while retaining a raw, emotional core.
Sanjay Dutt as Adheera: Inspired by Viking warriors, Dutt’s Adheera is a terrifying and formidable antagonist, creating memorable clashes with Rocky.
Visual and Technical Brilliance: The cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda captures the grandeur and darkness of KGF with stunning visuals. The action sequences are choreographed to perfection, blending realism with spectacle.
Ravi Basrur’s Music: The background score enhances the drama, creating an immersive experience.
Dialogues and Screenplay: Rocky’s punchlines, combined with the tightly written narrative, keep the audience engaged.
While the film is a cinematic treat, its pacing occasionally falters with some scenes overstaying their welcome. The sprawling cast and multiple subplots can make the narrative feel dense at times.
KGF: Chapter 2 is a roaring success that delivers on its promise of being bigger, bolder, and better than its predecessor. It combines a compelling story with spectacular action and unforgettable performances, particularly from Yash and Sanjay Dutt. The film solidifies the KGF franchise as a benchmark for Indian action cinema.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 Whether you’re a fan of action-packed epics or compelling character-driven dramas, KGF: Chapter 2 is a must-watch that will leave you exhilarated.
Indian cinema has a long-standing tradition of delivering grand narratives that are equal parts spectacle and soul. KGF: Chapter 1 (Kolar Gold Fields), directed by Prashanth Neel, is a prime example. This gripping action-drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Rocky, a man driven by a promise and fueled by his hunger for power. Released to critical acclaim, KGF has redefined the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema.
Set in the 1970s, KGF follows the journey of Rocky (Yash), a young boy born into poverty in the slums of Mumbai. From a tender age, Rocky is shaped by two forces: his mother’s dying wish for him to rise above his circumstances and his unyielding ambition to command respect and fear.
His journey takes him to the gold mines of Kolar, a lawless land ruled by brutal oppressors. The film tracks Rocky’s transformation from a street-smart hustler to a feared force who challenges an empire built on blood and exploitation.
The strength of KGF lies in its compelling protagonist. Yash delivers a magnetic performance as Rocky, embodying both his raw charisma and ruthless determination. The film paints a vivid picture of a man who thrives in adversity, using every setback as fuel for his ascent. Rocky is not a mere vigilante but a strategist, whose ability to inspire loyalty and strike fear sets him apart.
The movie captures his internal conflict beautifully — while he climbs the ladder of power, he never loses sight of his mother’s dream for him. This duality makes Rocky more than just a hero; he is a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and redemption.
At its core, KGF is a commentary on systemic oppression and the human spirit’s ability to rise against all odds. The stark contrast between the opulence of the gold fields’ rulers and the crushing poverty of its workers sets the stage for Rocky’s rebellion. His fight isn’t just personal; it’s for the voiceless, the oppressed, and the forgotten.
The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brutal realities of poverty and exploitation, making Rocky’s triumph all the more satisfying.
Prashanth Neel’s direction is nothing short of masterful. Every frame of KGF is meticulously crafted, from the sweeping vistas of the Kolar gold fields to the grimy underbelly of Mumbai’s streets. The gritty visuals are complemented by an electrifying background score that enhances the film’s larger-than-life moments.
The nonlinear narrative, interspersed with a journalist’s account of Rocky’s rise, keeps viewers engaged and adds layers to the storytelling.
The action sequences in KGF are a visual feast. Yash’s larger-than-life persona is amplified by choreographed fights that are brutal, balletic, and breathtaking. Each confrontation feels earned, showcasing Rocky’s ingenuity and brute strength. The climax, set against the backdrop of the Kolar gold mines, is particularly unforgettable.
KGF: Chapter 1 is a cinematic triumph that combines raw emotion, relentless action, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Yash’s performance and Prashanth Neel’s vision elevate the film to a league of its own, making it a benchmark in Indian cinema.
KGF is more than a film; it’s an experience. It’s a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. Rocky’s climb from the depths of poverty to the pinnacle of power is not just inspiring — it’s electrifying.
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed dramas or epic tales of rebellion, KGF delivers on every front. With its gripping narrative and unforgettable performances, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Rating: 4.8/5 As Rocky says in the film, “Powerful people make places powerful.” By the end of KGF, you’ll realize that Rocky is one of them — and so is this film
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