Although they have been around forever, slasher movies are still met with a lot of snobbery from some genre fans. These films are often viewed as nothing more than gratuitous violence with disposable characters, weak plots, and watery visuals. Over the years there has been the occasional innovation, but the sub-genre remains a source of negativity for some. Writer and director Chris Nash seeks to change opinion with In a Violent Nature.
As slasher movies go, In a Violent Nature truly is innovative. The film opens with Johnny (Ry Barrett), a Jason Voorhees type, rising from the grave. The camera then sticks with the mute man mountain as he stalks his way through the wilderness, hacking apart anyone who gets in his way. In many ways, In a Violent Nature is best described as a wander through the woods with Jason. It is a strange scenario, and one that risks alienating the slasher purists. However, it might just entice those with a thirst for the more arthouse style to give it a second look.
Capturing the wandering is an ever moving camera. There is hardly an instant when the camera isn’t in motion. The approach takes some getting used to, but it is not In a Violent Nature’s only quirk. Despite its slasher trappings, the scenes of violence are few and far between. Much more of the camerawork is spent honing in on the scenery. The beautiful greenery and woodland are captured perfectly. Whilst the gaping gaps between action may lose the old school horror crowd, it might just win over the younger generation. A frequent pastime for some is sitting and watching others play video games on YouTube, This is exactly the vibe that viewing In a Violent Nature conjures up.
As heavy as all the flower shots and slow and steady pace are on audience concentration, when Nash arrives at bloodshed, he throws everything into it. There is a death around the forty minute mark that is so grim, ghastly, and gory, that even the most ardent horror fan will be feeling peaky. Other genre films this year will be hard pressed to top how insane this particular kill is. Whether it provides enough payoff for the more arthouse moments will depend on taste, but it is certainly eye-catching.
An impressive innovation to a long-standing sub-genre, In a Violent Nature will separate the horror crowd. See as soon as you can to form your own opinion.
In a Violent Nature
Summary
In a Violent Nature injects an arthouse sensibility into, of all things, the slasher film. The results are varied but one epic kill in particular should win over the more traditional horror crowd.
In a Violent Nature was reviewed at Sundance 2024. In a Violent Nature is released in UK and Irish cinemas from 12th July 2024.
