Prior to Samara Weaving‘s current role where she is fleeing an overzealous admirer in the movie “Borderline”, she was previously seen running amok in a workplace terror film titled “Mayhem”. In this 2017 black comedy, Weaving portrays a woman who becomes infected with a virus causing uncontrollable rage and seeks vengeance.
In this rephrased version, the story revolves around the character Derek Cho, portrayed by Yeun, who is a dedicated yet morally compromised lawyer. After successfully defending a client found guilty of murder under the influence of a virus that suppresses inhibitions, Derek is dismissed from his firm following a mishap in another case. However, before he can be escorted off the premises, an alarm goes off as the virus is detected in the air, causing the building to go into lockdown. With the virus now affecting him, Derek plots a violent retribution against those who caused his termination. Coincidentally, Melanie (Weaver), a woman whose home loan extension request was previously denied by Derek, becomes an unwitting accomplice in his rampage. The clock is ticking as the virus’ effects will wear off in just eight hours, and many obstacles stand between Derek and his quest for vengeance.
‘Mayhem’ Is Essentially ‘Office Space’ Meets ‘The Purge’
The film offers an exhilarating, chaotic experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. It shares the rebellious spirit seen in Office Space, where a man, pushed beyond his limits, decides to rebel against the system and takes out his anger on a specific target – in this case, people instead of office equipment. As an infectious virus erases inhibitions, it sets free the darkest impulses within individuals, resulting in a wave of violence and fury similar to The Purge.
In the midst of this chaotic rampage, it’s challenging not to lose one’s humanity. Yet, Derek and Melanie manage to remain compassionate figures, a testament to the film’s earlier portrayal of their conflicts. This is further enhanced by the skillful acting of Yeun and Weaving, along with a well-crafted script, ensuring the story remains relatable despite its madness. Fans of “The Walking Dead” observed that Yeun appears comfortable in his role as he navigates through such violent encounters involving zombies.
Viewers raved that the movie titled “Mayhem” was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, with both Yeun and Weaver being standouts for many. Their on-screen partnership was seamless and added a boost of energy to the film, despite its chaotic nature. The film also incorporated some amusing, unanticipated scenes that brought a refreshing dose of levity. While audiences enjoyed the non-stop action, some felt the pace of the movie was slightly uneven at times, with certain dramatic shots being abruptly cut short. The film bears resemblance to the 2016 release “The Belko Experiment“, but opinions on whether it surpasses or falls short are not definitively stated.
‘Mayhem’ Turns Corporate Culture on Its Head
In summary, the action-comedy film “Mayhem” has received an 84% positive rating, making it Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics appreciated its bold and violent style, finding it particularly cathartic in depicting office politics. Characters were seen as relatable stand-ins for regular viewers, set within a darkly satirical and gory backdrop. Tom Santilli from AXS described it as a “workplace fantasy” that many can identify with, while Patrick Bromley of F This Movie suggested it’s the ideal movie to watch when you have a tough day at work.
As a cinephile, I can confidently say that “Mayhem” is often hailed as Joe Lynch’s signature brand of madness. Critics like Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics have noted that Lynch thrives in an environment of extreme violence with a minimal plotline. Although some reviews were mixed, many praised the film for its chaotic and action-packed nature, which seems to be a trademark of Lynch’s style.
What truly resonated with critics was the social commentary woven into the narrative. The focus on Derek and Melanie as they take down corporate bigwigs offers a perspective that uplifts the ordinary worker while critiquing the corporate hierarchy. If you enjoyed “Mayhem”, I’d highly recommend checking out Lynch’s other works, such as “Wrong Turn 2: Dead End” (2007) and “Point Blank” (2019).
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2025-03-21 00:32