In a Violent Nature is a Canadian horror film that will be released in 2024. The film takes a unique twist on a slasher film by attempting to do something completely different: showcasing the killer instead of focusing on the victims. The very work of Chris Nash is transformed into a horror film with little dialogue, In a Violent Nature reflects an eerie, meditative atmosphere of gore which sets it apart from typical horror fare.
Synopsis
Portrayed in the immense and forbidding wilderness of Northern Ontario, the movie opens with a camping trip of the teenagers: Kris, Colt, Troy, Evan, Brodie, Aurora and Ehren. The picture shows a group of young friends, whom accompany eachother on a walk through the forest. The friends one day come across an abandoned fire tower, inside it there is a rusted golden locket. One of the teenagers out of impulse decides to take the locket with him. They do not realize that their actions have brough upon an ancient curse deep within the forest.
That something is Johnny, who will have the monstrosity of a disfigured undead figure that died some decades ago under strange and violent circumstances. He is mute and without emotion, moving in a slow but intentional manner. The film chronicles the quiet pathless journey of desecrators while portraying Johnny hunting them in the woods. Once disturbed, he rises from his shallow grave.
The feature that sets In A Violent Nature apart is its unique narrative structure. Mostly, the film unfolds through the lens of Johnny’s perspective. The aftermath of the attack is not the focal point, instead of peering through the victims perspective, the camera portrays Johnny as the beast of burden .his breathing, for instance, his strolling, the way of his roots and the forest. This point of view dislocation saps any cathartic distance for the viewer and congests them in every violent act as an inevitability, not a suspense.
The violence is profound, repeatedly executed in a creatively terrifying manner, precisely detailing each brutal murder. Contrarily, there is no glorification or relief from the violence, only a stark observational tone. As each young adult is placed in Johnny’s sights, the film distorts into an almost nature documentary: unsettlingly intimate while chillingly detached.
There is little exposition and almost no backstory for Johnny. His past is only hinted at, such as him being a town legend or living as a boy who was wrongfully murdered, but no tangible evidence is provided. The suspense is further heightened with his vague existence, compelling the audience to reason the essence of Johnny. Is he an apparition, a wraith, or practically nothing Earthly?
The movie builds up towards an all out climax, but even so, it skips the classic slasher tropes of an extravagant battle or spectacular last stand. The finale is open to interpretation, which ensures the audience feels perturbed instead of content.
Director & Writer:
Cast & Crew
Nash has been associated with practical effects and horror shorts and now he is directing his first feature film. With his reputation, it would be safe to say that Chris Nash will execute the film masterfully.
Andrea Pavlovic portrays the role of Kris, an avid member of a reckless group who tries to resolve what is happening around her. She plays the most sane member.
Barrett’s awe inspiring performance, deep rooted in body movement and posture, is enhanced by silence. For this reason, he gets the role of Johnny. In the fantasy world, whose form drives the human soul into darkness, Johnny acts brutally.
As a locket bearer, Cameron Love takes the stage as Colt, who for reasons unknown, sets loose horror upon friends with no intention of turning back. He turns out to be courageous, impulsive, and full of zest.
Liam Leone depicted Troy, Alexander Oliver was Evan, Lea Rose Sebastianis played Brodie, Charlotte Creaghan took on the role of Aurora, whereas Sam Roulston took the part of Ehren. All these characters complete the friends group and while they represent a certain stereotype, they are all faithfully real.
This backstory adds complexity to the narrative, and as such, The Woman, portrayed by Lauren-Marie Taylor, serves as an enigmatic addition to the lore of Johnny.
Cinematography:
The film has a distinctive visual style which is minimalistic and yet profoundly disturbing. The work of Pierce Derks includes the use of natural light, wide shots of the desolate landscapes, and long motionless frames, all of which instill fear and a sense of bleakness.
Editing:
Deliberately injected creeping tension, sluggish pace is inexorably edited by Alex Jacobs. Scene cuts happen infrequently, allowing the build-up of despair to slow, which makes the scene feel richer.
Producers:
Kuplowsky Peter and Hanmer Shannon: In context, they are used to showcase low budget and art-house genre films.
Production Companies:
Shudder Films and Zygote Pictures
Distributor:
IFC Films
IMDb Ratings and Reception
Since the 2024 premiere, the film has received a mixed response despite garnering attention for its unconventional storytelling. Critics applaud the original take on horror tropes, providing a chilling atmosphere throughout the narrative, but audiences seem more divided, as evidenced by In a Violent Nature’s 6.8/10 rating on IMDb.
Reviews often categorize the film as a “slasher viewed from the perspective of a ghost story” or a “silent stalker opera,” praising it in the same breath as some of the earlier works of Terrence Malick — that is, if he dabbled in horror. One of the film’s strongest elements is how sound—or rather the absence of it—is used. There is sparce music, with most scenes depending on the forest’s orchestra: leaves swaying, birds far off, twigs snapping beneath Johnny’s heavy boots.
Most other audiences, however, have been more mixed. Some have commented that they were annoyed by the lack of pacing and the absence of dialogue and action. For those looking forward to a conventional slasher film with rapid kills, superficial jumps, and definite roles, In a Violent Nature might seem too abstract or experimental.
Regardless, the film has managed to capture the interest of horror fans who enjoy narratives that unfold slowly paired with untraditional frameworks. It has been celebrated as a potential cult classic and an encouraging start to what seems like a new horror franchise.
Indeed, a sequel has already been announced: In a Violent Nature 2. This suggests that the filmmakers intend to expand the lore of Johnny, and further develop this bold new vision of horror.
Conclusion
Like a slasher film, In a Violent Nature has aspects of a horror movie, but it explores deeper themes such as violence, death, and the existential dread of being observed. It is unique in providing minimal background information and avoiding common horror expectations; this encourages the audience to interact with the film more deeply and thoughtfully.
The movie is a combination of beautifully brutal storytelling while still seeing the evolution of slasher films. It is a film that captures and holds still its audience to rip apart the stereotypical lens of horror villains and revisit them in uncomfortable and distressing ways.
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