“Random Acts of Violence” is written and directed by Jay Baruchel alongside co-writer Jesse Chabot. Of course, there are many ideas smushed inside the storyline, and Random Acts of Violence is one film that tries to give you more. For almost the past 200 years, the term “violence begets violence” has been rhetoric that explains that one act does not remedy itself if met with a similar act. A cycle, if you will, that goes round and round. Similarly, a debate that has been prevalent in the past few decades, asks the question of whether violent horror movies simply promote more of the same.
Random Acts of Violence challenges the conventional expectations of its creators. Jay Baruchel and Jesse Chabot, known for their previous works switch things up from comedy. They have crafted a storyline that delves into various ideas. It presents a cycle of actions and consequences that perpetuates itself, raising questions about its potential mirroring in real life.
The film prompts viewers to contemplate the relationship between art and life, as well as the potential implications of the horror niche. It questions whether these stories are intended to scare audiences in a traditional sense or if they serve as a playground for those fascinated by cruelty and nihilistic behavior.
Storyline For Random Acts of Violence Movie
And so, the Random Acts of Violence film plays out in the stereotypical road trip setting. Todd (played by Jesse Williams) is a comic book creator. His graphic novels are based on a serial killer known for his creative and callous murders stemming from the Interstate 90 Highway. Todd wants to finish the story but doesn’t quite know how to end it.
In the director’s statement, Baruchel talks about wanting to make a movie where you want the core characters to survive. He stresses the audience is supposed to care about these people. And so, Todd has a wife Kathy who comes along to interview people in the town where the murders took place. Todd’s best friend is comic bookstore owner Ezra, whose assistant Aurora makes up the fourth person in the group.
The dynamic between the characters leaves much to be desired in terms of emotional connection. The lack of a strong bond among them often dampens the care factor. I found myself drawn to Todd, the protagonist, as his journey on the inspiration tour intrigued me. There were moments when I wished he had embarked on this adventure alone, allowing his personal growth to take center stage. Despite the disconnect with the group, Todd’s path shines through, adding depth to the narrative.
Movies That Are Full of Rage
But therein lies the conundrum. Random Acts of Violence is a generic predictable slasher movie. But at the same time, it maintains to be none of these things. It comes complete with an over-the-top unwillingness to help themselves fodder who are murdered in deliberate and gruesome slasher fashion. There is nothing new innovative about a highway serial killer who wears a mask.
Neither is there anything gripping about a guy who returns to his hometown where he then discovers a connection to something he thought he’d forgotten. So, with regards to the aim of making a scary film, it didn’t really do that. And I’m fairly reliable when it comes to leaving lights on in my home.
Random Acts of Violence pits the fans of killers against the victims of crime. It also adds to what a writer’s responsibility is then supposed to account for. The film itself asks so many questions while never really providing an answer to either fight for or against.
The cinematography is nice. There are red and green colors used throughout to represent the fact the original killings took place at Christmas. There are flashbacks of some of the murders, sketches, and cryptic phone calls to lure Todd into thinking he can change the outcome of what he discovers. The score is a throbby base that suited the aesthetic and was enjoyable to listen to.
Is Random Acts of Violence a Good Movie?
Is the Random Acts of Violence movie interesting? Sure. But it’s certainly no Cabin in the Woods or Final Girls or Scream franchise which says a lot of the same things but much, much better.
Watch it, but know that it’s going to be a love-hate relationship. If you enjoyed Random Acts of Violence, watch Founders Day, You’re Killing Me, or Sick.
The Random Acts of Violence movie is rated
3 people killing the world out of 5
Where to Watch Random Acts of Violence
The Random Acts of Violence film dropped on the Shudder platform on 20th August 2020 in the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Yes, you saw that right, Shudder and AMC+ are now available in Australia. You can watch Random Acts of Violence on AppleTV as well.
Produced & Distributed by Elevation Pictures.
The cast of Random Acts of Violence:
- Todd – Jesse Williams (Cabin in the Woods, Jacobs Ladder.)
- Kathy – Jordana Brewster (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Fast & the Furious)
- Ezra – Jay Baruchel (How to Train Your Dragon, Being Human)
- The Man – Simon Northwood (Shazam!, Code 8)
- Aurora – Niamh Wilson (Saw III, Between)
Random Acts of Violence Trailer
“I like old school shit used in a new school context. Dolly tracks and Steadicams, artful lighting, vivid colors, staging, and in-camera techniques that for whatever reason have become largely forgotten in the digital age. Ours is a beautiful, truthful film. It’s as entertaining as it is disturbing; a violent, Neo-Gothic love story about artistic responsibility and the cultural ill of legitimizing misogynistic violence. Told through the lens of Generation Y kids that came of age enjoying art made by Generation X.”
Writer-director Jay Baruchel on making the film Random Acts of Violence
