There have been several films with Cabin in their title including some of the best horror thrillers that have been produced. This little ditty called The Cabin (formerly “A Night in The Cabin”) does fit into the horror category, but not on the level of movies like 2012 The Cabin in the Woods that grossed over $66 million worldwide. Now I’m not saying that this movie should be compared to the multi-million dollar earner, but with The Cabin it’s the experience of watching a story with very scary theme that can be realistic.
A young couple Harry (Christopher Lee Page) and Rose (Caitlin Crommett) head for the old vacation cabin that was his parents when he was a kid. Not too into going to the semi-isolated retreat Rose has nothing to say good about their trip so far and they’re about to reach their destination. At about the same time frame a killer, Sven (Erik Kammerland), has entered the residence of old man Thomas (Thomas Hedengran) that lives across the lake from Harry’s cabin.
When the couple arrive, Harry pulls into Thomas’s residence where his parents borrowed his boat each year to get across the lake. It’s not the only way to get to the cabin, but with luggage that could not be carried over rugged and swampy terrain, Thomas always obliged. Rose is already complaining about being there and when Sven comes to the door being evasive about Harry’s request, she’s about ready to go back home. But, after some begging and promises that he will return the boat, the two grab their bags and head across the lake to spend the week.
So beings a sordid tale of a romance on the rocks, a grisly murder and avoiding a fall into a death trap. Director Johan Bodell moves his characters in and out of danger throughout the gruesome story with a final showdown that takes an ominous turn with all the main characters having their back to the wall. He throws in some very ghastly guts and gore, an unnerving chase scene and a few surprises that up the value of the movie. The film however, does get a little familiar at times.
The good acting saves the low budget thriller, but not enough for it to be a big winner for horror fans who like their suspense at a high production price. I like the realistic arguments between Harry and Rose, but it does become a little annoying at times. Caitlin Crommett vacillates from temperamental to loving and when she finds herself cornered by Sven, she fights back using her fright to heighten her anger. Her arc is the only one that really gets completed, but it’s too bad that writer/actor Erik Kammerland didn’t put a good measure of terror earlier on in the movie.
The Cabin has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains extreme violence, gore, language, and brutality. Be cautious when deciding whether immature children should see this film as there are parts that may be inappropriate for your youngsters. The film was made in Sweden, but all dialogue is in American English. It will be available on DVD and VOD December 4, so check your cable company or other video on demand outlets for a showing.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nicely acted flick with some gutsy horror. (3 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Starring: Christopher Lee Page, Caitlin Crommett, Erik Kammerland, Thomas Hedengran
Directed by: Johan Bodell
Genre: horror, thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min.
MPAA Rating: Not rated, contains extreme violence, gore, language, brutality
Video Release Date: December 4, 2018
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Screening Link
Audio: N/A
Video: N/A
Subtitles: N/A
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: High Octane Pictures
Released Formats: DVD, VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
