In a Violent Nature

If Terrence Malick made a “Friday the 13th” movie, I suspect it would look an awful lot like “In a Violent Nature.” If you are unfamiliar with Malick’s work, he makes slow and arty films; some might say, cerebral films. They are for contemplation. This Canadian horror film gives you plenty of time to think about what horrific act is coming next. It begins with teenagers (of course teenagers!) bringing our monster, Johnny (instead of Jason) to life by nabbing a gold locket his mamma gave him - he's a momma's boy, like  Voorhees. He is also a child who suffered a cruel death and thus, as horror movie mythology goes, has grown into a monster which kills indiscriminately. Once he crawls out of the swampy ground and into the light of the forest, Johnny's bodily state of decay lies around "Friday the 13th VI - Jason Lives:" his clothes are tattered and wounds and sores scar his hulking frame and grotesque head. He slow-motions his way about the forest like the Terminator, killing everyone in his path. Often ridiculous but then again, often riveting, disturbing, and rather gross. I loved it all. I found myself captivated by the last ten minutes. In theatres now.