In a Violent Nature: A Captivating Twist on the Slasher Genre
Writer-director Chris Nash’s “In a Violent Nature” is an ambitious undertaking that infuses a standard slasher movie formula with fresh elements. The film boldly juxtaposes scenes with laughably bad dialogue, reminiscent of the worst “Friday the 13th” entries, with a deliberate pace and captivating visual style that defies the low-budget aesthetic of its predecessors.
“In a Violent Nature” upends the slasher genre by shifting the focus from the victims to the killer, a masked, silent figure who observes their actions from the sidelines. This unique visual approach allows Nash to tell a familiar slasher story in a novel manner.
Despite its strengths, the film finds itself torn between its trashier and more artful inclinations. Nash unwisely employs excessive exposition, diluting the impact of the killer’s motivations and backstory. The shallow characterizations and cringe-worthy dialogue of the teenage and adult characters further clash with the film’s considered visual and stylistic choices.
“In a Violent Nature” succeeds in showcasing Nash’s talent as a filmmaker with real skill and vision. The film’s stunning visuals and gruesome prosthetic effects are a testament to Nash’s artistic prowess. While the film occasionally stumbles in its execution, it leaves viewers eagerly anticipating Nash’s future projects.
Now playing in theaters, “In a Violent Nature” is an experiment in the slasher genre that, despite its unevenness, offers a fresh perspective and enough interesting cinematic ideas to leave a lasting impression on horror fans.
Key Strengths:
* Hypnotic visual style and stunning cinematography
* Incredible prosthetic and makeup work
* Unique twist on the slasher genre, focusing on the killer’s perspective
Drawbacks:
* Over-reliance on exposition, diluting the killer’s motivations
* Paper-thin characterizations and cringe-worthy dialogue
* Inconsistent balance between trashy and arthouse elements
