The Wasteland Reviewer

In a Violent Nature (2024) Written Review

How do you shake up the slasher genre in 2024? There have been plenty of franchises who made defining marks on this subgenre of horror. Texas Chainsaw Massacre just might be the defining feature utilizing influences of real serial killers. John Carpenter created the iconic slasher Halloween which has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time. Friday the 13^th and Nightmare on Elm Street came out of this wave in the late 70s and early 80s. Scream reframed everything in meta fashion in the 90s. But now, writer/director Chris Nash has done something interesting with this aging yet beloved subgenre. 

What is so interesting when it comes to Nash’s In a Violent Nature? We follow the actions of the killer. We see the world from his perspective as he slowly stalks through the isolated woods. This is a spirit of vengeance whose resting place was disturbed, and a precious item stolen. The film utilizes some eerily effective steady cam as the audience follows this disfigured and unrelenting entity throughout the woods as he attempts to punish a group of young people in isolation. But it is not just the camera work that makes this film so memorable and impactful. The make-up and other bodily make-up and practical effects are crazy. Nash does not avoid discomfort as this film shells out some of the most gruesome deaths you will find on film. One scene will make your jaw drop in shock from how grotesque the mutilation can be. 

Can Nash keep the tension going throughout this venture? The scenes play out in such unique ways as we wait for the inevitable to happen. There are strong edits from the killer’s perspective to the other characters. This builds discomfort as you realize that you know exactly where someone can surprise you and cause quite a traumatic experience. The audience knows the truth behind the leaves and branches, but the other cast members are forced to expect the unexpected. By the end of the film, the natural scenes of nature have become foreboding portals for which a crazed killer could come out anytime. The film is also quite engrossing thanks to camera work and how we (the audience) perceive everything going on. There are certainly conversations sprinkled throughout, but the film soars on the wings of its filmmaking. 

But a big question is…do we care? Only one of the young people gets any real development and much of that might be due to their amount of time on screen. But it is this unstoppable force that gets an odd amount of empathy. The way Ry Barrett carries himself through all the make-up opens the character to sympathy. There are a few quieter moments that all for this to flesh out. The physicality of the performance goes a long way. You find yourself wanting to be supportive and seeing him get back his locket to get some real rest after 30 years. Closure can go a long way. 

Does In a Violent Nature make for a memorable slasher flick? Nash did something special with this film. It is a challenging experiment to see how far we will support a force that brutally murders young people for being ignorant. The technical aspects (with its film feel and smaller aspect ratio) will pique interest for those all about the art of filmmaking. If you love gory flicks, this might even surprise you. Admittedly, this horror flick takes its time getting anywhere but the way it engrosses you will not feel so burdensome. In a Violent Nature is light on narrative beats but sells the audience well on its horror trappings.