In A Violent Nature Review
In a Violent Nature indulges horror fans in that 80’s horror trope, where we watch a bunch of 20 somethings make a poor mistake by unearthing a rotten, murderous spirit that only has merciless vengeance on its mind. In doing so, we’re gifted ultra-violent kills, immense gore, gorgeous visuals but quite an unnecessary finisher.
Director Chris Nash delivers a rather daring concept. A fierce, yet flawed attempt at being unique. It’s clear it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, slow moving horrors are a favorable rarity, alas there is a lot more to take from this project, of which can be satisfiable and surprising.
The film takes place mainly in the great outdoors of the Ontario wilderness, following the accidental resurrection of Johnny: a mute, disfigured killer who embarks on a relentless spree to find what was taken from him. The unfolding events are largely observed from the killer’s point of view, meticulous, cold and a rather delightful twist on the slasher genre.
The cinematography is deeply immersive, using the beauty of the great outdoors to its advantage. We’re not new to following the killer; Michael Myers has had his fair share of moments in front of the camera where we’re following his every movement. The one big difference here is the ambiguity of sounds. Halloween is filled with children screaming, laughing and its truly phantom like score. Where -as here, we have only a gentle snap of a twig, chirps of a bird and the rustle of wind in the background. The difference is incredible, altering your experience of both films.
Specifically killing in broad daylight and showing the killer approaching quickly, sharp and like a powerhouse is another key element that helps this film feel heavier than it appears. A lot of horror films use the dark of night, or corners of eerie places to unsettle its audience, hiding the main antagonist in the shadows, however, that’s not the case here. We’re not protected by offscreen kills, or black cut screens. Everything is out in the day light for all to squirm over.
In A Violent Nature is an incredible addition to the horror genre. Sharing multiple moments of familiar atmosphere to the likes of Hallownen, Friday the 13th and Wrong Turn but also claiming a lot as its own. Myself, struggles with slow burns, anyhow, there wasn’t any of that with this one. I was immersed in the cinematography, score, unusual camera work and dialogue. Stunned even during the kill scenes at the impressive special effects. One element that felt like it didn't belong was the final 15 minutes or so, having an unknown character swoop in with a huge monologue derailed me. In spite of that, I thoroughly enjoyed Chris Nash’s vision and would gladly revisit.
We haven’t seen the last of Johnny, as a sequel is already in the works and set to release in the near future. So, if you’re up for a slow burn challenge then I’d certainly sit comfortably for a harrowing yet beautiful piece of inventive horror.
