6 Cabin Horror Films You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong embarks on an exploration of lesser-known cabin horror movies that might not have caught your attention.

      The cabin-in-the-woods motif has been a persistent theme in horror films, and its popularity persists even now. This is largely due to the confined settings that effectively generate fear, tension, and dread in isolated locations. Iconic cabin-in-the-woods films like The Evil Dead and its sequel, along with titles such as Cabin Fever, Misery, and The Cabin in the Woods, have long dominated the horror genre. However, some cabin horror movies go unnoticed, and here are six that you might not have heard of.

      247°F (2011)

      Produced on a budget of $650,000, Beqa Jguburia and Levan Bakhia’s directorial debut presents a chilling what-if scenario: what if you find yourself trapped in a sauna inside a cabin with rising temperatures and no escape? This predicament unfolds for three friends – Jenna (Scout Taylor-Compton), Renee (Christina Ulloa), and Ian (Travis Van Winkle) – as their supposedly relaxing weekend at a lakeside cabin turns into a harrowing experience.

      The film centers more on building slow-burning dread and psychological tension rather than relying on gore and violence, skillfully using the sauna’s confined space to create a palpable sense of claustrophobia. It also introduces some red herrings, such as references to a pagan festival, hinting at potential folk-horror elements.

      Black Mountain Side (2014)

      This little-known Canadian indie horror film evokes the fear of isolation and paranoia reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing. The narrative centers around a group of scientists stationed at a remote Arctic outpost, where they stumble upon mysterious ancient structures hidden in the snow. Similar to The Thing, writer-director Nick Szostakiwskyj employs a slow-burn technique that builds tension over time, as paranoia gradually envelops the scientists, leading to inexplicable occurrences one after another.

      Despite a tiny budget, Szostakiwskyj effectively stages genuinely eerie and even gory scenes. The film's atmospheric cinematography, combined with the oppressive cabin fever and claustrophobic setting, heightens the sense of dread, emphasizing the characters' struggle against the fear of the unknown and the maddening experiences that ensue.

      What Keeps You Alive (2018)

      What Keeps You Alive is a taut psychological thriller that follows Jackie (Hannah Emily Anderson) and her new wife, Jules (Brittany Allen), as they visit Jackie's family cabin deep in the woods. What should have been a romantic retreat quickly morphs into a relentless game of cat and mouse.

      Writer-director Colin Minihan skillfully establishes the dynamics of Jackie and Jules’ relationship, allowing viewers to grow comfortable with this seemingly perfect couple. Then, Minihan delivers a shocking twist, causing the tension to escalate rapidly. The film benefits from strong performances by Anderson and Allen, as Minihan expertly blends psychological and survival horror for an immersive 98-minute runtime.

      The Wind (2018)

      Before Emma Tammi gained recognition for directing Five Nights at Freddy’s, she made a notable debut with The Wind. Merging western and supernatural horror set in the late 19th century, the film follows Lizzy Macklin (Caitlin Gerard) and her husband, Isaac (Ashley Zukerman), living in solitude on the New Mexico prairie until they befriend their neighbors, Emma (Julia Goldani Telles) and Gideon (Dylan McTee).

      The Wind can be disorienting since Tammi employs a non-linear narrative, which demands that viewers remain engaged and attentive. While it may seem like a gimmick, this storytelling approach effectively mirrors Lizzy’s mounting paranoia and isolation. The film raises questions about whether her extended solitude leads to a mental breakdown or if supernatural forces are at play, relying on ambiguity to enhance the atmosphere with evocative sound design.

      Always Shine (2016)

      Sophia Takal, who later directed the poorly received remake of Black Christmas, displayed her talent with the low-budget indie Always Shine three years earlier. The film revolves around two friends, Beth (Caitlin FitzGerald) and Anna (Mackenzie Davis), who escape to a cabin in Big Sur for a weekend getaway. Both are actresses, with Beth’s career gaining momentum while Anna struggles to find her footing.

      What begins as a bonding retreat gradually spirals into a tale of jealousy and resentment. The remote cabin setting serves as an effective backdrop for the escalating tension and conflict between Beth and Anna. Mackenzie Davis delivers a compelling performance as Anna, whose growing envy of Beth’s success leads to toxic feelings and insecurity.

      The Ritual (2017)

      The Ritual follows a group of friends (Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton) trekking through the Scandinavian wilderness to honor their deceased friend. After one of them injures his leg, they