In a Violent Nature

In a Violent Nature is a Canadian slasher movie directed and written by Chris Nash. It stars Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, and Lauren-Marie Taylor. This 2024 film has been labeled as an "ambient slasher" and follows the story of a mute killer who is unintentionally brought back to life by a group of teenagers in the Ontario wilderness. Once revived, he begins to stalk and murder them, with much of the action seen from his perspective.

The film made its world debut in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival on 22 January 2024. It was later released in theaters across the United States and Canada on 31 May 2024. Following its theatrical release, In a Violent Nature became available on the streaming service Shudder later in the year. This film opened on 1,426 screens, marking a significant release for IFC Films and earning approximately $3 million in its opening week.

The plot revolves around a group of friends – Kris, Colt, Troy, Evan, Ehren, Brodie, and Aurora. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they discover a locket hanging at the site of an old fire tower, which leads to the resurrection of Johnny, a vengeful spirit. As the friends enjoy their time in the woods, Johnny's rage and need for the locket lead to a series of gruesome events. The film incorporates elements of folklore, detailing Johnny's tragic backstory involving betrayal and a cover-up related to his death many years prior.

The movie's unique style is evident in its long, static shots and the absence of a musical score. Nash aimed to create an atmosphere similar to a nature documentary, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before the horror unfolds. He also chose to shoot the film in Academy ratio, reminiscent of classic slasher films from his childhood.

The film has received favorable reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 78% based on 179 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have highlighted its unique approach to the slasher genre, emphasizing its artistic qualities while noting that it may not satisfy all fans of traditional horror. Some reviews praised the film's moody atmosphere and its ability to deliver tension, while others found it to be somewhat unsatisfying in execution.

With its commercial success and critical acclaim, a sequel titled In a Violent Nature 2 was announced at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, further cementing the film's place in contemporary horror cinema.

Overall, In a Violent Nature combines traditional slasher elements with a fresh narrative style, making it a notable entry in the horror genre for 2024.