M. Night Shyamalan Thinks Reports That Cinema Is Dying Are Greatly Exaggerated

Hollywood, just like most of the world, didn't know what to do when the pandemic swept across the globe in 2020. Not only was the virus potentially deadly, it served as the major disruptor of the decade and its ripple effects are still being felt throughout a number of industries. Movie theaters were closed for the better part of a year, causing a drastic shift in consumer habits. When Warner Bros. Pictures made the unprecedented move to release all of its 2021 films in theaters and make them available the same day for streaming on HBO MAX, there was some concern that the decision would become the new normal.

Built for the big screen, blockbusters like "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Mortal Kombat" could suddenly be viewed in the comfort and safety of our own homes right out the gate. The industry was already heading in this direction, but the pandemic accelerated the trend, leading many to believe that the theatrical experience was permanently at risk. Looking at the box office for January of 2023, a typically slower month for movies, the massive behemoth "Avatar: The Way of Water" and the meme-friendly horror hit "M3GAN" indicate that box office returns are starting to rebound significantly. The fact that a smaller B-movie like Gerard Butler's "Plane" is getting people out to theaters is another great sign.

The horror genre has helped keep theaters afloat with continued success, a trend that should hold up when M. Night Shyamalan's high concept apocalyptic thriller "Knock at the Cabin" hits theaters. In an interview with SFX magazine, Shyamalan spoke about the magic of the movie theater and the longing we all still have for the collective experience, a desire that will never completely subside.

While M. Night Shyamalan's last film, "Old," was a financial success, its box office returns were almost certainly diminished by the pandemic. After all, theaters were still in the early stages of recovery when the movie arrived in July 2021. As such, it's no wonder that Shyamalan is confident that his new, more high-profile film "Knock at the Cabin" will get even more butts in seats. "Let me be super-clear, audiences are dying to come to movie theaters to see great movies," he told SFX Magazine (via Games Radar).

That's a poor choice of words, perhaps. Known for the surprise twists in his films, Shyamalan also has a theory that some of the biggest blockbusters of all time would still be huge hits today (something I happen to agree with):

"If you released 'Home Alone' today, it would still be a gigantic hit. If you released 'Back To The Future' today, it'd be gigantic. And I think the industry is starting to see this, after getting distracted by the streamers and the pandemic."

"Knock at the Cabin" will be theatrical exclusive, a smart choice considering how well the horror genre is performing at the box office right now. The fact that the animated film "Puss and Boots: The Last Wish" continues to fare well after its digital release is another great sign that theater chains are making a comeback. 

Shyamalan is still excited that "Knock at the Cabin" will only be available to watch in theaters, at first. "Do I want you watching 'Knock at the Cabin' on a treadmill with your iPad? No, I don't."

"Knock at the Cabin" opens in theaters on February 3, 2023.