As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that In a Violent Nature is a must-watch for any horror enthusiast. Having seen countless slasher films in my time, this one truly stands out. The unique perspective shift from the victims to the killer is both chilling and refreshing, making it feel like a breath of fresh air in the genre.
Shudder is the leading destination for contemporary horror films, having previously showcased some of the top movies from last year including “Late Night with the Devil“, and now they’re expanding their library once more. On September 13th, the chilling film “In a Violent Nature” will debut on the platform, earning praise for its innovative approach to the slasher subgenre. Written and directed by Chris Nash, it has garnered an impressive 78% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Alongside “Longlegs“, which recently announced its PVOD and physical media release date, it was acclaimed as one of the most frightening films of the year by viewers.
The movie narrates the tale of a gang of adolescents who stumble upon a locket amidst the smoldering ruins of an ancient fire tower in the Ontario wilderness, oblivious to the fact that they have unearthed a body along with it. As they keep the locket, the buried corpse is resurrected as Johnny, a silent, vengeful killer who seeks to recover the locket and avenge an atrocious act from his past.
In this horror movie, what initially seems like a typical “slasher in the woods” storyline unexpectedly shifts direction. Rather than focusing on the terrified teenagers who stole Johnny’s locket, the narrative instead delves into the mind of the killer himself. The film showcases the ruthless pursuit and grisly killings that ensue, leaving viewers with a sense of unease in their stomachs. The movie features Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, and Lauren-Marie Taylor in prominent roles.
2024 saw the debut of “In a Violent Nature” at the Sundance Film Festival, and come late May, it graced over 1,400 screens nationwide. Amidst fierce competition from this year’s blockbuster heavyweights, I was thrilled to see that our little film managed a commendable $2.1 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. The story continued to captivate audiences, as it went on to earn nearly $5 million in total box office earnings – all on an incredibly modest budget. As a film enthusiast, I couldn’t be prouder of this indie gem!
In his critique for MovieWeb, Will Sayre commended the movie’s exceptional cinematography, specifically the creative application of long-shot sequences from the villain’s point of view, which he likened to a documentary shot by Jason Voorhees. Additionally, he pointed out that there are two murder scenes in the film that immediately earn a spot among the most memorable deaths in horror cinema history.
Praise from Stephen King and a Sequel
The film’s gruesome content turned off some film viewers, but strong word-of-mouth from horror fans gave the film plenty of buzz. Its strongest endorsement, however, came from horror icon Stephen King, who took to X/Twitter to proclaim “It’s leisurely, almost languorous, but when the blood flows, it flows in buckets.” He also used a strange analogy to describe Johnny, the film’s relentless killer:
The killer in his mask looks like the world’s most terrifying Minion.
The positive response to the movie has prompted IFC Films and Shudder to reveal at the San Diego Comic Con this year that a second installment of the film is planned. While specific production details remain undisclosed, it’s known that Nash will resume his role as both writer and director, with Johnny once again playing the villain. Producer Peter Kuplowsky commented, “We now get to keep tracking Johnny on his relentless journey,” and expressed gratitude towards IFC Films and Shudder for backing Nash’s creative direction for the movie.
In a Violent Nature
premieres on Shudder on September 13.
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2024-08-24 23:32