Film Review: ‘In a Violent Nature’ is a One of a Kind Horror Experience

There has never been a film like In a Violent Nature. Sure, there are films that attempt something similar, in that it’s a horror movie told from the slasher’s perspective, but not in this way. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, for example, was a mockumentary and took a black comedy route. Here, we have a fright flick that’s an honest to goodness slasher, just from the killer’s point of view. It sounds simple, and it is, but it really makes a difference. Not only is this one of the best horror outings in years, it’s one of my favorite works of the year so far.

In a Violent Nature manages to do all of the things a work within this genre would do, but in following only the killer, it all comes off so much differently. There’s a level of dread you experience in following our murderous protagonist, knowing the victim in the distance is doomed, but not being able to do anything about it. Some folks might find this to be a deeply unsettling experience, but anyone who appreciates horror will love this big swing being taken.

At the outset, we see, or really just hear, hikers poking around the grounds of an old forest fire tower, eventually taking a necklace from the area. No sooner does that happen then a figure emerges from its previously buried existence. This is Johnny (Ry Barrett), our unstoppable killing machine. We watch him initially walk slowly out of the woods to a little house right outside of the area, where his first victim ultimately is. From there, he lumbers back into the woods, presumably in search of his necklace.

Coming upon a campground where a group has gathered to party and talk about an urban legend that just might be about Johnny, the carnage begins to increase. It goes that way, victim after victim, until Kris (Andrea Pavlovic) a potential Final Girl emerges. With the knowledge of Johnny’s backstory provided to her by a game warden (Reece Presley) familiar with his previous rampage, she has a shot at survival. At least, she thinks she does.

Led by Ry Barrett as Johnny, the cast does know the job at hand. Barrett is our silent subject, while Andrea Pavlovic gets to be a Final Girl. They’re really the only two we spend any real time with, with the former obviously with us the entire time. Barrett lumbers with the best of them, while Pavlovic does terrified well. Reece Presley does have a sequence where he’s giving some backstory, but it’s almost obligatory. Supporting players include Charlotte Creaghan, Liam Leone, Cameron Love, Alexander Oliver, Sam Roulston, Lauren-Marie Taylor, and more, but Barrett is the star.

Filmmaker Chris Nash deserves a ton of credit for following the beats of not just a slasher, but also of independent cinema, crafting something one of a kind along the way. Long takes, unusual perspective shots, and deliberate pacing suggest indie film, or even slow cinema, but then he’ll also mix in some wildly brutal and inventive kills. The deaths alternate between quiet and restrained, all the way to just incredibly gory, so Nash is doing it all with a purpose. In a Violent Nature is the sort of feature debut that suggests a very bright future. I can’t wait to see what Nash does next. He’s got the goods!

In a Violent Nature is a unique horror gem. It’s a 2024 highlight for me and should delight any true genre fan. Watching Nash try and pull off something this different is absolutely invigorating. If you love horror, you owe it to yourself to see this film!

SCORE: ★★★1/2