A true surprise – in Barkerian style

Rating: 7/10 (18 June 2013)

I just finished watching this film and though I was skeptical given the title and the look, I cannot express how absolutely pleasantly surprising this film is. I will try not to give it away, but know this – this is not another slashed in the woods movie! Rather think of Clive Barker's Night Breed or the original Hellraiser. Then you have Cabin In The Woods – the new generation alternative genre film. I call this an alternative genre, because without being uncertain what it wants to be – it knows exactly what it is – it is a film that breaks the borders of genre and the conventional. The acting is surprisingly adequate and the cinematography is really up to standard. The special effects are good and the sets and costume leaves nothing to be desired. None of these are above excellence, but all up to standard. Then comes the plot. It is fast paced, unexpected and completely new. The story delves into human fear and more than just individual fear. It delves into a primal fear of the...well, you will have to watch it to see what I mean. Do not judge this film by the first 45 minutes. It is setting you up for a much larger picture to come. I love that nothing is given away too soon yet you are not left wondering what the hell is going on the whole time. Really good balance, timed just right with all the right mechanisms of storytelling in just the right place.