Cabin Girl – Film Review

Published July 15, 2023

Movie Details

Rating
C+
Director
Jon D. Wagner
Writer
Rory James Wood, Leslie Beaumont
Actors
Rose Lane Sanfilippo, Austin Scott, Jess Weixler, Lee Tergesen, Michael Rispoli
Runtime
Release Date
July 12, 2023
Genres
Horror, Thriller
Certification

When a van-life influencer moves into an isolated cabin, she discovers the home has a dark history and becomes haunted by a troubled spirit.

Cabin Girl, directed by Jon D. Wagner, is a horror film that tells the story of a van-life influencer named Ava who decides to move into an isolated cabin. However, her excitement quickly turns to terror when she discovers that the home has a dark history and becomes haunted by a troubled spirit. While the film has its moments, it ultimately falls short in delivering a truly satisfying and original experience.

Rose Lane Sanfilippo delivers a strong performance as the lead character Ava. She captures the essence of a young influencer perfectly, embodying the enthusiasm and energy associated with that lifestyle. However, it is unfortunate that her character remains stuck in the realm of the stereotypical, over-the-top goofy vlogger. Ava’s constant antics and exaggerated reactions become grating and repetitive, failing to offer any depth or growth throughout the film. It’s a missed opportunity to explore a more nuanced and compelling protagonist.

One of the major flaws of Cabin Girl is its lack of originality and innovation. The film follows a predictable formula, relying heavily on established horror tropes without adding any fresh elements to the genre. While there are moments that manage to generate genuine suspense and thrills, they are overshadowed by the overall familiarity of the plot. It’s evident that the filmmakers didn’t take many risks, resulting in a narrative that feels formulaic and lacking in surprises.

That being said, Cabin Girl does manage to be entertaining at times, particularly when it fully embraces its horror elements. The film shines brightest during its most intense and chilling moments. The eerie atmosphere, combined with some well-executed jump scares, can certainly deliver a few enjoyable thrills. However, these moments are not enough to salvage the overall mediocrity of the film.

One of the biggest disappointments of Cabin Girl is its short runtime, which leaves the story feeling rushed and underdeveloped. The potential for a more detailed exploration of the haunted cabin and the troubled spirit haunting Ava is squandered. The film could have benefited from taking the time to build tension and suspense, allowing the audience to truly invest in the characters and their predicament. Instead, important plot points are glossed over, leaving a sense of missed opportunities.

On a positive note, the film boasts some truly impressive cinematography. The shots are well-framed and visually striking, capturing the eerie ambiance of the cabin and its surroundings. The play of light and shadows adds to the overall sense of unease, enhancing the horror elements of the film. The cinematography elevates Cabin Girl, providing a visually engaging experience even when the story falls flat.

Cabin Girl falls into the realm of average horror films. While Rose Lane Sanfilippo delivers a strong performance as Ava, her character remains one-dimensional and annoying. The lack of originality and innovation is a major drawback, and the rushed narrative leaves much to be desired. However, the film does offer some entertaining moments, particularly when it fully embraces the horror genre. The impressive cinematography adds a layer of visual appeal to an otherwise forgettable experience. Overall, Cabin Girl is an average horror flick that fails to leave a lasting impression.