The Cabining is a 2014 horror comedy directed by Steve Kopera. The story centers on two failing screenwriters who travel to a remote artists’ retreat, seeking inspiration. The retreat proves anything but serene, as the artists die off one-by-one.[2]
| The Cabining | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Steve Kopera |
| Written by | Steve Kopera |
| Produced by | Mike Kopera, Steve Kopera, Ian Michaels |
| Starring | Mike Kopera, Bo Keister, Angela Relucio, Melissa Mars, Luce Rains, Richard Riehle, Mark Rademacher |
| Cinematography | Jeffery T. Schultz |
| Edited by | Steve Kopera |
| Music by | Steve Sholtes |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Description
editMatt Molgaard of AddictedToHorrorMovies.com describes The Cabining as “more buddy comedy than anything else, but the tone, and the aesthetics of the film sweep viewers away in time, depositing them right back in the 1980s, when slashers were still a lot of fun, and a good kill or character could steal the heart.”[3]
The Cabining focuses on Todd, the brains behind the screenwriting team. Todd struggles with creating a unique premise in the cliche-ridden horror genre. Ambush Bug at Ain’t It Cool News writes, “THE CABINING is a peek behind the camera at the hardships writers go through to write a script and grasp that elusive good idea.”[4]
Todd discovers inspiration while at the artists’ retreat, as the body count increases. Mike Haberfelner at SearchMyTrash.com adds that Todd’s “creativity soars during these violent days, and he has long abandoned his silly old slasher for a brandnew whodunnit based on current events.”[5]
The Cabining is specifically known and recognized for accentuating and playing with traditional horror tropes as, “cliches are called out and worked upon in the film.” [6] HorrorFreakNews.com adds “The mountain of clichés that the Kopera Brothers build throughout the film could easily work as a major detriment to the final product, but that’s not the case. As the Kopera’s lay out the familiar they make sure to stand, point and laugh from a distance.” [7]
The original title for the movie was Screamwriters.[8]
Synopsis
editTodd and his feckless friend want nothing more than to write a hit horror screenplay. Todd’s wealthy uncle offers to fund the feature, but he provides one condition - they must complete it in two weeks.
With the accelerated deadline, Todd and Bruce venture to a remote artists’ retreat, hoping for inspiration. When guests start dying in mysterious, gruesome ways, Todd can’t help but be equally revolted and inspired.
With his imagination piqued, Todd must write quickly before he becomes the next victim.
Cast
edit- Mike Kopera as Todd
- Bo Keister as Bruce
- Angela Relucio as Mindy
- Melissa Mars as Celeste
- Luce Rains as Jasper
- Richard Riehle as Sarge
- Mark Radermacher as Monroe
- Peter M. Howard as Lacey's Boyfriend
- Tyrone Evenson as Studio Engineer
- Ally Evenson as T's Girlfriend on Tuesday and Friday
- Pauly Zimmer as T.
Production
editPrincipal photography took place primarily in Boyne City, Michigan and Los Angeles. The interiors scenes were shot primarily at a large house in Horton Bay, Michigan.[9]
Release
editThe film aired on Starz Encore throughout 2014-2015 [10] and the Starz App in 2016-2017.[11] Indican Pictures owns North American distribution rights,[12] and the movie is represented by Leomark Studios.[13]
Critical response
editDread Central listed The Cabining as one of the "10 Horror Comedies a True Fan MUST See"[14] and one of the “10 Amazing Indie Horror Films You May Have Missed.”,[15] saying, "it’s an awesome movie that blends slasher elements with satirical elements, and it comes together beautifully."[16]
Select Festivals and Awards
editBare Bones International Film Festival 2014 - World Premiere - Winner Best Horror Feature Cape Fear Independent Film Festival 2014 - Winner Best Horror[17]
FANtastic Horror Film Festival 2014 - Winner Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Mars), Nominated for Best Director, Best Comedy, Best Actor (Mike Kopera), Best Supporting Actor (Bo Keister)
Indie Gathering International Film Festival 2014 - Winner Best Horror Comedy[18]
Dances with Films 2014[19][20]
Kansas International Film Festival 2014
United Film Festival 2014 [21]
Brainwash Movie Festival 2014 [22]
References
edit- ^ "2014 Film Festival – Cfifn".
- ^ Barton, Steve (13 November 2014). "The Cabining Opens in January". Dread Central.
- ^ "'The Cabining' is a Winner on All Fronts (Review)". Addicted to Horror Movies. 2 December 2014.
- ^ "AICN HORROR looks at SEPTIC MAN! ODD THOMAS! LEGEND OF SIX-FINGERS! THE SHADOW! INDIE DIRECTOR! MEMORY OF THE DEAD! REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE! HYSTERICAL PSYCHO! BAD DREAMS! & THE CABINING!". Ain't It Cool News!.
- ^ "The Cabining". (Re)Search My Trash.
- ^ "Overcome Writer's Block with an Axe and a Hammer in The Cabining: A Movie Review". 28 Days Later Movie Analysis.
- ^ "The Cabining (2014) Review". Horror Freak News.
- ^ "Kansas International Film Festival: Around the world in 72 movies". Kansas City Star.
- ^ "Humorous horror movie wraps up in Horton Bay". Boyne Gazette.
- ^ Jacoby, Terry. "Michigan Filmmaker Debuts new film Boyne Falls in Royal Oak". Oakland Press.
- ^ "Starz App October 2016 Movie and TV Titles Announced". Coming Soon. 23 September 2016.
- ^ "Indican Sets January Release Date for 'The Cabining'". Coming Soon. 13 November 2014.
- ^ "Leomark Studios - The Cabining". Leomark.
- ^ "10 Horror Comedies a True Fan MUST See". Dread Central. 27 January 2017.
- ^ "10 Amazing Indie Horror Films You May Have Missed". Dread Central. 29 October 2014.
- ^ "Some B-Movies Are Actually Worth a Damn". Dread Central. 26 October 2017.
- ^ "2014 Cape Fear Independent Film Festival".
- ^ "The 2014 Indie Gathering - Award Winners".
- ^ "Dances With Films Announces 2014 Lineup, Distribution for Award Winners". The Wrap.
- ^ "Dances With Films Unveils Festival Lineup". Hollywood Reporter. 2 May 2014.
- ^ "United Film Festival - The Cabining".
- ^ "Oakland Date Night: Brainwash Drive-In/Bike-In/Walk-In Movie Festival". Mercury News. 11 July 2014.