Toronto, Canada – Director Chris Nash brings a fresh and brutal take on the low-budget slasher genre with his film “In a Violent Nature.” Nash strips away the conventions of ’80s slashers while delivering the elements we love – gruesome deaths, lingering shots, and chilling masks with real-world origins. In this film, the spotlight belongs to the murderous force known as Johnny, who, after a fatal accident, roams the Canadian wilderness, taking the lives of unsuspecting youths and park rangers.
Echoing iconic slashers like Jason Voorhees from “Friday the 13th,” Johnny’s story shares similarities with the classic horror setup. However, the plot takes a back seat in “In a Violent Nature”, as the true draw lies in its graphic and bloody kills. Nash’s practical effects shine as Johnny wields a hatchet and a pair of drag hooks – the very tools used in his own demise – to execute horribly unpredictable murders. One scene, in particular, reaches bone-chilling levels of carnage, reminiscent of the infamous fatalities from the game “Mortal Kombat.”
Nash’s mastery of the genre is evident as he maximizes the film’s limited resources. Most of the shots consist of jump cuts featuring medium shots of Johnny traversing through the woods – a familiar sight to players of horror games like “Death by Daylight” or “Friday the 13th.” Nevertheless, Nash and cinematographer Pierce Derks inject fresh perspective into the formula by slowly revealing Johnny’s disfigured appearance, keeping audiences captivated between kills.
As the narrative progresses, Johnny dons a mask inspired by 19th-century firefighting gear, resembling a cross between an ancient deep-sea diver’s helmet and a World War I gas mask. With this transformation, Nash and Derks employ a free-roaming camera that captures kills from various creative angles. The extended shots create an unsettling, almost hypnotic effect, leaving viewers unable to look away.
Given that the film centers around a mute, undead killer, dialogue is limited to moments when Johnny is within earshot of potential victims. While this lack of conversation doesn’t detract from the overall experience, it doesn’t add much either, apart from snippets of Johnny’s backstory or the banter of doomed young characters. However, the sound design in “In a Violent Nature” elevates the atmosphere. Nash’s decision to hire video game foley artists pays off, particularly in capturing the eerie qualities of Johnny’s footsteps. Furthermore, the film creatively incorporates sound effects, such as the haunting playback of a victim’s Walkman in a ranger’s office.
With “In a Violent Nature,” Nash revolutionizes the low-budget slasher genre, skillfully showcasing gruesome kills and unique sound design. While the film may not offer much in terms of plot or dialogue, its raw, chilling execution is undeniably captivating.