In A Violent Nature looks to reinvent the way you look at horror films specifically the slasher genre. Chris Nash’s first feature film flips the genre, by putting you in the shoes of the killer instead of the victims. The film was one of our most anticipated films at Sundance and actually the first film we watched.

In A Violent Nature will give you Terrence Malick vibes throughout as we get long shots of our protagonist Johnny walking. I found some of these moments interesting because you hear the survivors chatting away unbeknownst to them a killer is right on their tail. A lot of these moments can create some moments that felt so fresh in the horror genre. We usually see the killer just appear and disappear but here we are right there with them through it all. I think this makes the moments the kills come feel much more impactful as the buildup is insane. The effects when it comes to the kills as well are superb and not for the squeamish. The creative ways in which Johnny takes out the victims had me and the audience shocked.

Nash is able to pull something new and fresh to a genre that has been around for some time. The film is for the most part seen through the perspective of the killer. It gives us details of the victims mostly through eavesdropping and has an eerie voyeuristic vibe to it. I truly felt this worked at raising the tension even more as you sit there wanting to yell out to the victims. The film really shines in these moments of quiet, while juxtaposing with violent kills on screen.

The effects department really did an amazing job at being creative with the kills. My screening was absolutely shocked and taken aback by how insane the violence was. It really makes it that much more effective due to how quiet the lead up is. The death toll quickly rises and yet the forest is very quiet throughout which makes the situation scarier. It doesn’t rely on a heavy score or loud jump scares and more on just how bleak it all is. The film has a very dark vibe throughout and manages to keep it to the end. Of course, this can make or break it for some, but personally works in my opinion. I do feel like cutting to the actual victims at a point and going back to Johnny kind of drops that sense of tension.

Overall, I think In A Violent Nature works well when it comes to some of the lead ups before the kills. However, a lot of the film felt repetitive with Johnny just walking through the forest. Chris Nash has brought something new and exciting to the table with this style. I see a lot of what they’ve done here showing up in future horror films. It’s always exciting to see artists take big swings like we’ve seen in the past with other films like Skinamrink. Although I did have some reservations with the film I overall enjoyed and appreciated what Nash did. In A Violent Nature really excels with the build ups right before the violence. The voyeuristic approach mixed in with the quietness of the forest make it such a scary experience. Chris Nash is an exciting voice to have in the genre.

We give In A Violent Nature 3.75/5.