The MPAA has assigned an R rating to M. Night Shyamalan’s post-apocalyptic thriller Knock on the Door, signaling that viewers under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for screenings. This rating reflects the film’s intense on-screen violence and strong language, a fact that has been noted across industry outlets.
Knock on the Door marks the second time in Shyamalan’s directing career that a feature film has received an R rating. The decision is aligned with the film’s tense mood, brutal moments, and provocative dialogue that push boundaries more than many of the director’s earlier works.
Centered on a family of three who are seized by four strangers, the story unfolds as the captors demand a drastic sacrifice to avert an apocalyptic threat. The narrative is adapted from Paul Tremblay’s 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World, translating Tremblay’s original psychological dread into a cinematic experience that leans on suspense and moral quandaries as much as physical peril.
The ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint, and Jonathan Groff, whose performances anchor the film’s high-stakes tension and emotional resonance. Knock on the Door released in theaters in early February 2023, drawing audiences into a claustrophobic world where trust fractures and every choice seems to carry enormous consequence.
In other announcements from the director, a trailer for the final season of Servant has been released, giving fans a glimpse at the series’ concluding arc. Additionally, a new project from Shyamalan, with a release date targeted for 2024, has been announced, though specific details remain limited. These updates underscore the director’s continued involvement in ambitious storytelling that blends horror, suspense, and spiritual unease. (citation)