Review published 15th February 2026
Watch the official trailer
Cabin Fever: A Deadly Discovery in the Woods
When Henry (Arie Verveen), goes for a walk in the woods, he discovers his hunting dog dead from what appears to be a blood-borne infection. After coming into contact with the dog’s blood, Henry himself becomes infected. Shortly after, viewers are introduced to five recent college graduates who rent a cabin in the woods during spring break, hoping for a weekend of partying and drinking. On their way, they make a quick stop at a local convenience store, only to find that the residents of the nearby community behave in strange and unsettling ways.
Trapped and Infected: Survival at the Cabin
Upon arriving at the cabin, the group settles in. Some head out hunting, others relax on a nearby jetty, while a few simply hang out together. As everyone goes about their activities, one member of the group discovers Henry, badly bleeding and suffering in the woods. Henry attempts to leave by stealing the group’s car, but he ends up vomiting blood and severely damaging the vehicle. Meanwhile, the mysterious disease that has infected Henry continues to lurk in the surrounding woods. Now, the group of five must work together to survive and find a way to escape the cabin before it’s too late.
Cabin Fever: Horror Meets Thrilling Gore
Cabin Fever is best described as a horror film with subtle thriller elements. Many scenes are deeply unsettling due to the combination of creepiness, violence, and graphic gore. While the premise is fairly straightforward, director Eli Roth turns what could have felt like lazy storytelling into something highly effective, particularly as the main characters grow increasingly distrustful and question the disease’s origins. The film’s creative use of practical effects for the gore is impressive, looking both convincing and disturbingly realistic.
Cabin Fever: Flaws, Fun, and a Teaser for the Sequel
Sadly, while Cabin Fever delivers a few exciting moments, it falters in certain areas. Many of the side characters who interact with the leads feel overly silly, almost as if they belong in a parody horror film, lacking depth and seriousness. The main characters can be somewhat clichéd, though this is somewhat expected given the genre. Some scene transitions feel unnatural, abrupt, and disjointed. The ending is a mixed bag, with certain details left unexplained. That said, the after-credit scenes are rewarding and serve as a perfect setup for the sequel.
Cabin Fever: A Strong Debut with Uneven Moments
Overall, I can’t deny that for a feature-length directorial debut, Eli Roth delivers some uncomfortably effective moments in Cabin Fever, even if the storyline and concept are somewhat superficial. The film includes a few respectful nods to classic horror titles, and the plot builds a good amount of tension while mixing in moments of dark, wacky comedy. Some scene transitions feel a little unusual, and the ending left me with mixed feelings, balancing both satisfaction and unresolved questions.
Cabin Fever (2022) will be Available on 4K UHD from April 29th, thanks to Via Vision Entertainment
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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