Extreme Horror | Terrifying New Perspective In experimental Slasher In A Violent Nature
In the latest in my Extreme Horror series we look at In A Violent Nature, the debut film by Chris Nash (director of the memorable ABC’s of Death 2 segment Z is for Zygote). The film represents the latest evolution in self aware slashers. The film presents a naturalistic view of the archetypal slasher storyline from the killer’s viewpoint, the high concept is basically that we are seeing what’s happening as the “other” film takes place.
The film opens in a Canadian woodland, in the remains of a fire tower. We hear the voices of unseen characters. They discuss a locket which we see in the shot. Against the advice of his friends one of the men – Troy – pockets the locket. This wakes up our protagonist – a hulking undead killer in the Jason Voorhees tradition named Johnny. We then follow Johnny from a detached, almost documentary style perspective as he finds his way across the woods and kills Troy and his group of annoying friends, who have gone to stay at a cabin in the woods.
In A Violent Nature has no non-diegetic sound, the only music being music characters play on their own devices. The movie instead creates its atmosphere through its meditative “slow cinema” style pace and its excellent sound design – which sounds incredible in a cinema. Most of what we learn about Johnny’s victims is from his voyeuristic vantage points. We get snatches of information about interpersonal relationships, back story and the friends reaction to Johnny, giving the sense that the typical slasher plot is taking place just beyond our view. Pierce Derks’ Terence Malick-ian cinematography is beautiful , the camera creating a tension between being mostly observational and drawing the viewers attention to important information. The film achieves a hypnotic atmosphere even if it grips you because you are on edge waiting for something to happen.
When we do get kills they are brutal and they make the film essential viewing for those of us who are whores for gore. The effects are incredible, with the effects team being led by Psycho Goreman director Steven Kostanski. One kill, in particular, is something I have never seen before.
In A Violent Nature may not reinvent the slasher wheel, but it does create a fresh new dish from familiar elements, and, with his cool looking leather fireman mask, brings us a new slasher icon in Johnny.
In A Violent Nature had its Irish debut on the 12th of July.
