In a mysterious location in unoccupied bushland, a pair of young adults are examining the remains of a fire tower that had burned down some time ago. While exploring, one discovers a tiny golden locket and keeps it. After some small talk, the pair walks away. Little do they know, beneath the ground lies a rotting corpse that has just come back to life – a monstrous man-like killer has just been resurrected and carries a thirst to kill anyone in sight.
As the killer (Ry Barrett) awakens, viewers follow his every footstep and movement. Nearby, a group of young adults are sharing a campfire at night and telling the story of a young boy named Johnny and the tragic events he suffered at a nearby fire tower. As the conversations unfold, the killer approaches and stands at a distance, listening, observing, and plotting its next move. Little does this group know that they are now the primary targets for this mysterious killer. Can they survive the ultimate murderer, or will a large amount of warm blood be shed?
In a Violent Nature can be best described as a horror film with a touch of thriller. The movie shares similarities to classics such as Friday the 13th, where a group of young people in the woods become the target of a monstrous killer. The thriller aspects of the story revolve around the killer’s identity, motives, and dark past. Director Chris Nash is known for directing short horror films and projects such as the film ABCs of Death 2.
The film is brilliant and fresh because it mostly follows the killer rather than focusing on the helpless victims. The filming style is also remarkable, often positioning the killer in the centre of the screen while the camera maintains its distance, creating a similar feeling to a video game. While it’s cool that the film invites us to follow the killer, some viewers might find the novelty wearing off as the film progresses. Also, it doesn’t help that the killer is extremely slow-paced. He never runs or moves fast; he’s an indestructible human tank.
The diegetic sounds in the film are outstanding. As the killer slowly lurks in the woods and observes his surroundings, we can hear distant conversations and absorb the atmosphere, such as the sound of trees blowing in the wind. Although there is not a memorable musical score, the film effectively builds tension and atmosphere by using sound effects.
You’ve chosen the perfect movie if you’re a fan of horror and bloody violence. This film doesn’t hold back regarding the graphic kills depicted throughout. They are all horrifying, shocking, and downright gruesome. One kill, honestly, had my jaw dropping to the floor. The kills also look realistic, and the violence is creatively and intensely portrayed.
Overall, In a Violent Nature offers a unique perspective by telling the story from the murderer’s viewpoint. The killings are graphic and bloody, with a lot of torn flesh and pools of blood. The simple story allows the unique camera work to stand out firmly. The shot angles make viewers feel like they should be holding a PlayStation controller while they follow the mysterious killer sneaking around in the centre of the screen with the main camera keeping its distance. The film also features incredible sound effects and diegetic sounds, clever background details such as characters speaking from afar, and an atmosphere that is pleasing to all senses of a movie lover. Some viewers may not appreciate the killer’s slow pace as he’s not a runner by any means. While appealing, the different concept of following a monster-like murderer can lose some of its finesse as the film progresses. By the end, I found the film to be a refreshing and thrilling addition to the horror genre; we truly need more like it.
7.1/10
8th June 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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