Every year at Sundance, there’s always enough word of mouth regarding a couple of horror films as the ones that cannot be missed when they’re released. As a huge fan of horror, I’m always ready and excited for the next big release. While some of those films, often released by A24, can lean a bit more arthouse than what “mainstream” horror audiences may want. This is why we often get that divide of calling something “the scariest film of all time,” and having it attached to 3 films a year or so, and they often still aren’t that scary. In regards to In a Violent Nature, it’s not the scariest film you’ll see this year, but if you’re willing to give in to the film, and choose one of them, I strongly recommend In a Violent Nature because you will be in for one gnarly, brutal trip along the way.

The film takes place in Ontario and was shot in the Algoma District, which was a pleasant surprise and exciting to have a new Canadian slasher classic for some of the inventiveness alone. While the film’s slasher backstory sounds like a hybrid of many others we’ve encountered and seen before, the film lets those moments be quick, and early. We got our expository backstory story told by a member of the group with a spinning camera, so our soon-to-be victims talk about the legend of what happened to Johnny (Ry Barrett). According to legend, Johnny had died as part of an accident nearly 60 years ago, and now every once in a while, wakes up and leaves a trail of bodies behind him.

That is roughly what the speaking parts are here in the film for, mostly to be part of the body count. In a Violent Place takes place mostly from the killer’s perspective. Much of the film’s brisk runtime follows Johnny slowly walking through the woods. Without any backing score, we are simply with him as he stumbles his way, slowly reacting to the other sounds in the woods with him. On a few occasions, like the campfire story moment, we are with our friends alone, but only because Johnny is often hiding behind a tree nearby. We’re left waiting, to see if he will jump out at any point, or just watching them instead.

In a Violent Nature asks a lot from their audience for this reason alone. While the film is still only 94 minutes, it’s led by an undead, mute protagonist without a score. The film repays us with the kills and the brutality in the film. From the first on-screen in the film, I knew we were in good hands, but I had no idea that they were just getting started. I don’t want to spoil any of the kills for those who are interested in the film, because I really do think they need to be cherished and witnessed first, not described – but for those who have seen it, holy shit. I wrote many notes during my screening and the one that stood out was about that kill, and I wrote “I have NEVER seen that before.” 

After the huge success of Dead by Daylight, I wonder if there’s a bit of influence that has bled over into this film. There are moments in which characters are off in the distance talking, and Johnny does a farther walk around a home to avoid making noise. The camera is fixed on Johnny, staying directly behind him, it feels like we’re tracking him, similar to a game. Pierce Derks camerawork is truly great, and one sequence that takes place in the dark woods was frightful, as well as one aerial view sequence that had me cackling at the visual.

This is again, an extremely bloody, violent film. As someone who watches a lot of horror films, it’s extremely exciting to watch something fresh and original like this. Whether it is the premise of focusing on the killer’s perspective for once or the kills I’ll be thinking about for the rest of the year. In a Violent Nature is a powerful feature directorial debut from Chris Nash who has certainly made a name after this. I can’t wait to show my friends this film.