The Cabin in The Woods (2012)

I do not remember this film being aired in Philippine cinemas, but it was on cable last week and we managed to see it from beginning to end. It’s the stuff of nightmares!

It’s summer and five college friends decide to spend it in a remote cabin owned by Curt’s (played by Chris Hemsworth) cousin. They use Curt’s dad’s trailer – the Rambler. They drive for hours and reach a place where there are no other cars, and no other visible human activity. They stop by a small gasoline station/fish and tackle store and get a very cold reception from the proprietor.

The cabin itself is unassuming. It does look a bit rundown from the outside, but inside it looks quite cozy and isn’t cramped at all. It’s also very near a clear lake, and has electricity to boot. By all appearances, it’s the perfect vacation.

Unknown to the young barkada (group of friends), they are being manipulated. Even Jules’ (Curt’s girlfriend) decision to dye her hair blonde before the trip wasn’t her decision alone. Behind the scenes is a group of technicians monitoring their vital stats, watching and listening to everything that happens in the cabin. They also seem to know how it’s all going to end.

So early in the show the viewers already know that all of it is a setup. But what’s not clear is why. Is it a reality TV show? Are the horrors real? Is there chance for survival? All these questions, and more, are answered by the end of the show.

The film is altogether creepy, and bloody. You’ll feel disgust over the office workers who have the gall to bet on which horror will be triggered and eventually kill the young offerings. But you also kinda understand that they’re just looking for a way to enjoy their unusual jobs. Then when you finally understand why the five characters need to die, you don’t know whether to root for the survival of the remaining two, or wish them dead. Very interesting.

I’m not a horror fan, but this film was entertaining.