WhileIn A Violent Nature’s shocking deaths might be memorable, the movie’s stunning scenery is equally impressive thanks to its beautiful, secluded filming locations. 2024’sIn A Violent Natureis a slasher movie with a unique perspective.In A Violent Nature’s deliberately paced story takes place from the killer’s point of view, following the undead, unspeaking masked killer Johnny as he walks through secluded woodlands and idyllic lakes. For long stretches of the movie’s runtime,In A Violent Naturefeels like a calming nature walk. Then one ofIn A Violent Nature’s brutal kill scenesarrive.
Thanks toIn A Violent Nature’sFriday the 13thinspirationand debt to similar ‘80s slashers set in abandoned summer camps, the unusual horror movie does not stint when it comes to gore.In A Violent Natureincludes some of the most shocking death scenes of 2024 amid its long scenes of tranquil hiking, and this unlikely contrast is what makes the slasher so original. ByIn A Violent Nature’s ending, viewers have spent as much time luxuriating in its isolated setting as they have watching Johnny dismember his victims thanks to its beautiful filming locations.
Kawartha Lakes
In A Violent Nature’s Production Began In The Kawartha Lakes Region
Originally,director Chris Nash intended to shootIn A Violent Naturein the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada. The director admitted in aVarietyinterview that he wanted the movie’s setting to be just as remote and inaccessible as it appears in the movie, resulting in 30-minute hikes to reach the set. Eventually, Nash and company decided that the Kawartha Lakes weren’t providing the specific look they wanted forIn A Violent Nature’s story. As a result, the production relocated to another picturesque, and equally untamed, region of Ontario to shoot the rest of the slasher.
Nash opted to go for a more familiar location when it came time to shoot the rest of the movie.
It is unclear whether any of the footage from the Kawartha Lakes region made it intoIn A Violent Nature’s final cut. However, what is clear is that Nash opted to go for a more familiar location when it came time to shoot the rest of the movie.In A Violent Natureended up taking place close to home for the filmmaker.
Algoma District
In A Violent Nature’s Subversive Slasher Story Was Shot In This Ontario District
Most ofIn A Violent Naturewas shot in the Algoma District of Ontario. Bordered by both Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the Algoma District famously inspired the iconic Canadian landscape artist the Group of Seven. It is easy to see why, as the forests of the region and its wide rivers giveIn A Violent Nature’s story some stunning vistas to explore.In A Violent Nature’s subversive slasher storywouldn’t work if the trails that Johnny traverses in silence weren’t as captivating as the movie’s gruesome kills. Thanks to the Algoma District’s natural beauty, this isn’t a problem.
While not all of Johnny’s story takes place outdoors, most of the movie’s most memorable scenes make use of the area’s stunning, sprawling woodlands. The cliff-side yoga kill features beautiful views of the region’s scenery shortly before Johnny’s nastiest attack occurs, while Brodie’s drowning takes place in one of the region’s many beautiful lakes. The discordance between the quiet, peaceful woodlands and the gory mayhem caused by Johnny makes the movie effective, resulting inStephen King recommendingIn A Violent Natureto his followers onX(formerlyTwitter) earlier in 2024.
Sault Ste. Marie
This Small Canadian Town Played Host To In A Violent Nature’s Production
While the Algoma District provided the primary locations ofIn A Violent Nature, the nearby city of Sault Ste. Marie was also a major player in the movie’s production. Nash hails from the midsized city, according to an interview withThe Globe and Mail, and Sault Ste. Marie is the nearest city to the expansive nature parks where the majority ofIn A Violent Naturewas filmed. As Nash noted, the movie’s locations were often so remote that even reaching the set required a hike. As such, the director’s hometown offered a base of operations forIn A Violent Nature’s production.
In A Violent Natureis available to stream on Shudder.
With a population of over 70,000, Sault Ste. Marie includes many tourist attractions.In A Violent Naturehighlights the extensive forest trails that surround the city, and it would be no surprise if the indie horror movie brought more visitors to the Ontario city thanks to the stunning scenery found in the film. The Algoma District is home to most of these locations, while Sault Ste. Marie’ is a perfect base. That said, it also wouldn’t be surprising ifIn A Violent Natureleft viewers too scared to explore the woods of Ontario on their own, lest they stumble across Johnny’s latest kill.
The Globe and Mail
