Violence is seemingly everywhere in the modern world, seeping into every aspect of our culture. In our books, comics, video games, films, TV and all over the internet. Turn on the news and you’re never too far away from it. The argument that violent movies, comics or computer games act as catalysts for barbarism has raged on and off for decades. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Jay Baruchel’s new film Random Acts of Violence weighs in on the debate.
Todd Walkley (Jesse Williams) is the creator of Slasherman, a comic book based on a number of unsolved real-life murders. He embarks on a road trip to New York Comic Con with his wife Kathy (Jordana Brewster), best friend and publisher Ezra (Baruchel) and assistant Aurora (Niamh Wilson). He has decided that it’s time for the series to reach a conclusion but is struggling to write an ending. Todd hopes this trip will provide the stimulation he needs.
Random Acts of Violence works on two levels. On the one hand, it’s a well-executed slasher which features an intriguing killer and a number of well-staged gory murders. On the other, it’s a conversation about how violence is used in art, and in some cases as art. These two elements co-exist in harmony, even if this balance is sometimes difficult to maintain. Random Acts of Violence is an entertaining horror which has a lot going on under the bonnet.
Random Acts of Violence is available on Shudder (US, Ca & UK) from 20 August.
