For those who fancy a night in, huddled on the settee with a cushion at the ready to hide behind, Amazon Prime has just made a top-tier horror film available for streaming.
Horror films may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but when executed well, they can take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride filled with suspense, relief and adrenaline. They often have a more profound impact on your emotions than your typical action-adventure flick.
If you’re in the mood for a fright, look no further than the critically acclaimed 2012 horror film The Cabin in the Woods. The movie features a barely recognisable Chris Hemsworth and follows a group of university students as they head off to a secluded cabin for what they hope will be a relaxing getaway.
However, their trip quickly turns into a nightmare as they find themselves battling a relentless onslaught of terrifying creatures in a classic horror setting.
Minor spoilers ahead – but what sets this plot apart is that unbeknownst to the group, their time in the cabin has been meticulously orchestrated as part of a ritualistic sacrifice to appease ancient beings threatening to obliterate the earth, complete with a facility full of bureaucrats dedicated to ensuring their sacrifice, reports the Mirror US.
The film is revolutionary in its approach, cleverly utilising traditional horror tropes while providing a fresh perspective on what lies beneath them.
Starring alongside the Thor actor are Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy, Kristen Connolly from House of Cards, and Richard Jenkins from The Shape of Water, who play the five students central to the plot.
This film takes a pioneering approach by utilising traditional horror tropes and imbuing them with a deeper meaning, making it a huge success with both viewers and critics. It boasts an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning it a ‘certified fresh’ status.
A Google reviewer who gave it five stars praised the film, saying: “One of the greatest films ever and not just because it cleverly borrows from HP Lovecraft and others to tell of the horror behind the horror we’re so used to.”
They added: “Well-written, produced, acted, scored and filmed, TCITW is a winner on so many levels, the less you know about it before screening it, the better. It fully transcends the genre of “horror” plus offers a cute peek into the myths of other cultures. But ultimately, it is NOT what you expect it to be about at all.”
Another reviewer echoed this sentiment, stating: “I love this movie, I thought it was smart and interesting with twists thrown in that I never saw coming.”
The film is now available to stream for free on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers.