Random Acts of Violence (2020)

Jay Baruchel's adaptation of the self aware graphic novel of the same name has been polarizing. Violent movies that critique violent movies (or stories) walk a fine line of not becoming what they are deconstructing and Random Acts of Violence is no different. I've read as many negative responses to this film as positive ones. For me the film generally succeeds in its balance of being a truly scary film while also exploring the nature of violence in our culture in practice and in media. . It tackles the catharsis vs. glorification problem head on and while it may stumble a bit through that minefield, in the end I felt it worked more than it didn't.

 

Baruchel finds a stylish way to film his story that is lush and fascinating to watch but also creates the deeply unsettling mood needed for this sort of tale. His only previous directing feature was the Goon sequel but I think he's show he's got a great knack for visual storytelling. Violence was sufficiently creepy in a slasher film sort of way while also feeling like he was striving for something more thoughtful throughout. He plays into the tropes of the genre but also undercuts them at the same time. The film is just violent enough, but Baruchel cuts away, never lingering, except when there is a point for us to see. 

Violence doesn't offer a simple message of violent-media-promotes-real-life-violence critique. The message is more complex than that. There is an idea of the imagined violence and the real violence stemming from the same place. It's less cause and effect than it is a product of our culture, a culture that devalues women's experience and treats their suffering as a narrative journey for men. It also examines the self-perpetuating nature of violence and trauma. 

If anything Random Acts of Violence's falls short because it is often very on the nose. Perhaps this is being careful. By being such a violent film, especially one trying to explore the roots of violence, you want to be sure you are being clear what you are espousing, and not send the wrong message. But sometimes Violence feels a bit clumsy in doing so, sometimes holding our hands a bit to tightly, despite how gorgeous the cinematography and art direction is.

Still, for me Random Acts of Violence mostly worked and gave me quite a bit to think about. It also disturbed me, which a good horror movie should.

Random Acts of Violence 

Starring: Jessie Williams, Jordana Brewster, Niamh Wilson, Jay Baruchel

Director: Jay Baruchel

Writers: Jesse Chabot, Jay Baruchel