The Shudder Original Random Acts of Violence, from director Jay Baruchel, has just been unleashed on Blu-ray and DVD by RLJE.
Jessie Willams stars as Todd, a comic book creator whose ‘Slasherman’ comics center on a serial killer, who is actually real in the movie, known as the “1-90 Killer.” As Todd continues his road trip with his girlfriend (Jordana Brewster), business partner (Jay Baruchel), and their assistant (Niamh Wilson), murders begin popping up that mimic scenes from his comic.
This comic book movie about a comic based on real events that is actually based on a real comic book of the same name by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti.
Random Acts of Violence combines the violence and gore horror fans love with an interesting story about trauma, relationships, and a unique way of looking at life.
As for the cast, Jessie Williams played his complex character well, but that’s no surprise, The Cabin in the Woods and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor rarely disappoints. I was a little surprised to find out that Barachel directs, co-wrote the film, and stars. That’s a lot of hats to wear, but he did a great job. While I found Jordana Brewster’s character annoying, condescending, and just playing unlikable, she did play the part well. Niamh Wilson did well too.
The film has a fantastic look, intense color, and great cinematography. The way the camera glides throughout the scenes is a nice touch, it makes everything feel fluid. The scenes from Todd’s childhood are flooded with color, a fever dream, signaling a time jump to the day when his entire life changed but until the end of the movie, Todd doesn’t know what happened that day or why. There’s also a ton of religious imagery featured in the movie that seems to be linked to times of intense emotion, pain, and brutality.
The effects were great and the kills creative. Each murder brings Todd closer to coming face to face with the killer and his own truth that is teased throughout the movie.
There are a ton of twists that keeps things exciting and they keep you on your toes. In the final moments of the film, everything becomes clear. And I have to say, the ending was an interesting choice. But I’m not going to tell you what happens, you need to watch it for yourself.
Overall, Random Acts of Violence is a dark, entertaining movie that will leave horror fans pleased. It’s a fresh story that we haven’t seen before and that’s always a good thing!
The Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features include:
- Interview with Director Jay Baruchel – The director discusses Random Acts of Violence pandemic style.
- More Than Just a Scary Movie – The director and cast discuss the film and what viewers can expect.
- Inside the Making Of an Action Scene – Go behind the scenes of making the movie and see how the junkyard scene was made.
