In a Violent Nature Releases on May 31st

One of my favorite aspects of a slasher is the POV shots. If I'm going to spend time in this subgenre, I'm fully expecting there to be some sprinkled throughout. Fortunately, the upcoming release of In a Violent Nature is supposed to give us plenty of it. The synopsis is very reminiscent to the legend of Jason, an entity of sorts that is risen from the dead with murderous vengeance on its mind. Our villain's name is Johnny, a man who was killed horrifically and entombed under a fallen fire tower in the woods. After a group of teens remove a locket from the fire tower, they unknowingly release the entity of Johnny who then hunts them down through the woods in search of the missing locket.

There is said to be plenty of gore and early reactions have stated some were unable to stomach the brutality of the new film. In a Violent Nature will give us a fresh approach to the slasher subgenre, showing what the killer is up to between the kills. There's said to be many scenes with just Johnny combing through the nature filled scenery, looking for his next victim. The aesthetic choice for Johnny is interesting as he dons a vintage fireman's mask. The look is mystical in a sense and adds to the legend of the character.

The director, Chris Nash, employed many static long shots with no musical score, which should enhance the environment and give us a stronger feeling of being right there with Johnny. We can expect a more methodical and deliberate film, following characters through an entire scene. The concept to me is right in line with "slow cinema" which emphasizes a minimalistic style with little to no narrative and mostly long shots.

Over the course of history in the genre POV shots have been used to great effect. I immediately recall the incipient violence in Halloween where we see the perspective from young Micheal Myers as he proceeds to murder his family. In Friday the 13th when Jason stalks his victims in the woods, we get a perspective from his eyes. Of course, films like REC, Cloverfield, and The Blair Witch Project created terror with POV shots in the form of found footage. Clearly this stylistic choice can create quality horror films, but there have been plenty of duds too.

My primary concern with In a Violent Nature is whether the film will take things too slow between the kills, lending too much meandering and too little violence. I will say the legend of Johnny has some intrigue and should be captivating enough to hold the attention of the audience. Will this be top 3 for the year of 2024? Absolutely not. It could, however, flirt with top 5 if it surprises us. Are you expecting a flop from In a Violent Nature?