Key Takeaways:
– ‘In A Violent Nature' attempts to revisit the slasher genre, but falls short of providing the unique perspective fans anticipated.
– The protagonist, Johnny, lacks personality, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the character.
– The film's use of a full frame format is more of a gimmick and doesn't add value to the narrative.
– Despite drawbacks, the practical effects and Johnny's look, particularly with the Smoking Mask, won commendation from its viewers.
– Overall, the film disappoints with weak character development, cliched dialogue, and lack of subversion within the slasher subgenre.
‘In A Violent Nature', an attempted revamp of the slasher genre, had huge expectations from a slasher-thirsty audience. The movie was meant to be a love letter to the genre, but sadly, turned out to be an affront to it. The unique approach of following the antagonist's journey instead of the protagonist was a promising beginning, but the execution dampened the initial excitement.
Shattering Stereotypes or a Missed Opportunity?
The film focuses on Johnny, the corpse-turned-vengeful spirit resurrected from a collapsed fire tower in a forest to reclaim a stolen locket. The narrative revolves around Johnny's deadly pursuit. Unfortunately, it doesn't dive deep into deconstructing stereotypes or subverting expectations. Instead, spectators merely follow Johnny on his killing spree with little resistance from the victims. Clear checkboxes of the slasher genre were ticked, as seen in the final girl element and the backstory of the killer. Yet, these elements felt like mere fillers, hardly contributing to the narrative depth.
The Ghost of Character Depth
Comparisons to the Friday the 13th's Jason Voorhees were inevitable, with both characters demonstrating similar killer instincts. However, where Jason Voorhees embodied vibrant personality traits, making the Friday the 13th series a fun slasher saga, Johnny disappointingly fell flat. His character comes across as a mechanical killing machine, lacking the charm or charisma needed to connect with audiences.
Mundane Cinematography
There has been an increasing cinematic trend of using full frame format in recent years. However, it doesn't quite gel with ‘In A Violent Nature'. Although directed with the intention of making Johnny more entwined with nature, full framing proves counterproductive, as Johnny's bulk fills most of the frame.
Spotlight on Positives
Not all about the movie was a letdown. The character design of Johnny was applauded, exuding intimidation through his Smoking Mask and the hook weapon. Practical effects were well-employed, adding life to an otherwise dull storyline. Some death scenes also managed to leave a mark, highlighting the potential that the film could have achieved.
Lost Potential in Slasher Subversion
‘In A Violent Nature' was seen as an opportunity to redefine the slasher genre. However, lapses in acting quality, cliched dialogues, and a done-to-death story pulled the film down. Its failure in subverting any character or situation was a glaring issue, leading to diluted character development and plotlines.
‘In A Violent Nature' was indeed a disappointment for slasher genre enthusiasts. The film, instead of bringing a fresh perspective, turned out to be a bland version of previous movies, thus failing to leave a lasting impression. The film will hit the theaters on May 31st, 2024 and will be available on Shudder later this summer.
While the ambition to deconstruct and elevate the genre was palpable, execution fell short in ‘In A Violent Nature', turning what could have been a promising tribute to the genre into a forgettable film.
