In an exciting turn for horror fans, the movie In a Violent Nature debuted with a fresh 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, known for its hyper-violent slasher scenes. Directed by Chris Nash, the film follows the perspective of a mute killer in the Canadian wilderness, offering an homage to Gus Van Sant’s moody, largely silent dramas.
Following this trend, another anticipated release, Late Night with the Devil, has also gained traction due to its unique narrative and supernatural elements. The movie tells the story of the live broadcast of a late-night talk show in 1977 that goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms
. This fresh concept was highlighted by directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes who noted, We thought combining that charged, live-to-air atmosphere with the supernatural could make for a uniquely frightening film experience
.
Intriguing Beginnings at Festivals
Late Night with the Devil has been making rounds at various film festivals and is yet to confirm a wider release date. Initial reviews have been promising, contributing to a burgeoning interest in horror titles this year. Following its success, other smaller horror films like ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ have also found their niche audience despite competition from big studio releases.
A Unique Perspective Change
Nash’s direction of In a Violent Nature brings viewers directly into the mind of a serial killer, mirroring techniques seen in Lars von Trier’s The House that Jack Built. The unconventional storytelling method allows for an exploration of deeper themes, using characters as vessels to dissect art and humanity.
Implications for Indie Horror Films
The positive reception of both In a Violent Nature and Late Night with the Devil underscores the viability of targeted releases over big-budget studio productions. These successes highlight the audience’s craving for unique and intense narratives within the horror genre.
An Emerging Trend in 2024
This year has seen notable indie horror titles outperform their studio counterparts. Movies like ‘Immaculate’ may not have massive marketing budgets but still manage to carve out significant boxes. Although some high-profile releases underwhelmed at the box office, these smaller films have proven to be sleeper hits, gaining traction through word-of-mouth and festival buzz.
The market’s acknowledgment of gritty and thought-provoking horror films portrays an evolving landscape. The mini-trend sparked by works like In a Violent Nature may very well shape the future trajectory of the genre, both artistically and commercially.
Follow Us
