When a group of teens takes a locket from a collapsed fire tower in the woods, they unwittingly resurrect the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year old crime. The undead killer soon embarks on a bloody rampage to retrieve the stolen locket, methodically slaughtering anyone who gets in his way.
In A Violent Nature is directed by Chris Nash which is his directorial debut.
In A Violent Nature is quite divisive and it's very easy to see why, for awhile I had no idea what to exactly think of this film. When it was first announced I found the idea intriguing a slasher film but from the killer's perspective, an idea that I think for the most part this film completely nails especially when it comes to the kills as well as the atmosphere of a slasher film only a bit more darker.
I'll start with talking about the atmosphere as it's a key factor in what makes the film work, it's very clear they are going for the classic "slasher film villain in the woods" idea which will immediately remind you of the Friday The 13th series particularly the first several entries and that's not a bad thing at all. It has this classic feel to it that works and as I said before the atmosphere works, there's some quite gorgeous shots in this pretty brutal film that sort of makes you forget the brutality that's going on. The lack of score with only nature sounds, leaves crumbling, crickets chirping really makes the film all the more thrilling as well, it adds this sense of realism that does hit you like a truck when the kills start to occur.
Speaking of which the kills are going to be the thing this film is going to be remembered for and rightfully so because they are shockingly brutal. There's one in particular that will leave you shocked in your seat, it's shocking to watch unfold and it's still shocking after it happens. It has some incredibly impressive gore that I really can't help but praise the team to make this come to life. The kills match the atmosphere quite perfectly and really do have this brutal nature to them that gives them personality.
Unfortunately the final 10-15 minutes is very questionable as to why it's even here. Look I love a great monologue, I think monologues can be an excellent way of showing a performer's ability and a great device to tell the story. With that being said the monologue during the final moments of the film feels very confused, it doesn't exactly say anything, it doesn't evolve the plot and it ends the film very awkwardly.
However I don't think that's enough to stop In A Violent Nature from being an incredibly solid film, I will say do not go in expecting a quick and usual slasher film ride. This film is a slow burn that requires patience from the viewer and for the most part rewards the viewer very well.
In A Violent Nature is available on all VOD platforms.
8/10 B+
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