Director: Drew Goddard
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams
Running Time: 95 minutes
Certificate: 15
Extras: Wonder-Con Q & A, Primal Terror: Visual Effects, An Army Of Nightmares: Make Up & Animatronic Effects, The Secret Secret Stash, We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin In The Woods, Audio Commentary with Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon
If a genre was ever lacking a little originality it’s horror. Single females have been murdered in houses, groups have been killed on campsites, and masked maniacs have terrorised communities enough times you could be forgiven for having a complex about going out. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, from director Drew Goddard and co-writer Joss Whedon, tries to break out the box with a twist on the dependable ‘teenagers in a remote cabin’ story arc. Taking no time (well seven minutes) to identify each stereotype: jock (Hemsworth), slut (Hutchison), stoner (Kranz), square (Williams), and virgin (Connolly), we are quickly on the road to the titular cabin and all that it holds.
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS is impossible to describe in a traditional way as it is effectively two films in one: the first, a traditional horror flick, and the second… well that would ruin the fun. What can be said is the second aspect is amongst the most original stories seen in recent times, and is the perfect juxtaposition for the groups story. Whilst much has been made of the apparent twists in THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, this isn’t really the case – the film is one ongoing 95 minute reveal. Within 15 minutes the audience knows there is something amiss, and the editing allows the story to develop organically, and keep the viewer on their toes.
Among the many highlights of THE CABIN IN THE WOODS are the performances: the film is stolen by Fran Kranz as Marty, the main beneficiary of an incredible script merging comedy, tension, and plot perfectly. Indeed, fans of BUFFY and ANGEL will find Goddard and Whedon’s fingerprints all over the movie: self referencing and popping interaction are plentiful and the movie shuttles along whilst keeping it on track. The structure and aforementioned editing are tremendous feats; the story works but in many other directors’ hands it could have crumbled into an incoherent mess.
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS is a tremendously original and enjoyable piece of filmmaking. Goddard and Whedon have admittedly not spruced up the horror genre, but they have given us something different. The CGI-laden last 15 minutes almost detracts from the good work before it, but the film is such fun the makers get away with it and the film is highly recommended.
Extras: The making of is a look at the development, but gives the impression this was maybe a co-directing job for Whedon as well as co-writer. The Secret Secret Stash is a few featurettes put together and give a great look at the sets. The make-up and effects documentaries are informative, and everyone enthuses like their life depends on it. The wonder-con Q & A is a lot of fun, and speaking of fun the audio commentary is easily as entertaining as the film it’s describing.
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS is available now and can be purchased here
