This review of In a Violent Nature was initially published to coincide with the movie’s premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It has been updated for the film’s theatrical release. In a Violent Nature follows Johnny, a hulking creature who has been dead for years, as he seeks vengeance on the most recent group of teens to bring him back to life.
The way In a Violent Nature reveals its plot is a huge part of the fun of the movie, so no spoilers here. Instead, it’s worth talking a little bit about the vibe of the movie, which is mostly pastoral, rather than bombastic and quick. Writer-director Chris Nash seems to take inspiration from Michael Myers’ slow but deliberate stalking in the Halloween movie series .
Long stretches of In a Violent Nature are still, quiet, gorgeous shots of nature — sometimes with a killer lumbering through them, sometimes not. This beautiful photography is a huge bonus to the movie, considering that most of the run time is devoted to Johnny walking from one place to another, in determined pursuit of his victims. Following a slasher-movie villain — part Jason Voorhees, part Michael Myers — mostly means watching him walking around, which seems perfectly intuitive when you see it on screen.
In a Violent Nature makes these traveling scenes feel vibrant, purposeful, and intense, rather than like the drag they could have easily been. Of course, this wouldn’t be a slasher if there wasn’t some slashing, and In a Violent Nature has plen.
