In a Violent Nature: A Gripping and Unique Slasher from the Killer’s POV

Chris Nash's In a Violent Nature is a different breed of slasher. With surrender as the only given option, this film offers the creepy and chilling horror experience by showing the eyes of a killer sinner without looking through the lenses of his guidance. The best part of the film is that every inch of it takes its time, every minute is built up painstakingly, patiently, and carefully especially while trailing a large silent killer named Johnny in the woods. Part of this scare comes from the sound design: while in neither the graphics nor the cut scenes, the presence of Johnny, with his lumbering heavy footfall, causes every snap of dry branches to be jarring. I loved the film’s treatment of its theme especially as a fan of horror myself and just can’t help recommending it to other fans of the genre.

The film moves at a slow and comedic pace which some critics have noted may annoy those viewers that are used to watching horror movies that are quicker. However, for me everything was tense leading up to the explosive violence. Given that it is such a restrained narrative, when the violence finally unfolds, it is always shocking and fortifying, helped in no small measure by the superb practical effects in the massacre. Nash does not make the viewer wait unduly thirsty for blood then cut to a gory showdown; she knows when to do which.

There are perhaps people who would suggest that In a Violent Nature delivers nothing new to the table, however, what it does is a novel variation on the standard format by presenting the killer and by placing a different emphasis on the hunter and the hunted relationship. It is abundantly clear that Nash along with his team are passionate about the art of making horror films, and that is visible in the amount of effort and originality that went into making this film.

All in all, In a Violent Nature is one bloody slasher that everyone who is into horror should keep in mind. It is bleak, filled with suspense, and is very atmospheric—it is a film that every horror buff who values original cinema must watch.