Random Acts Of Violence is a horror thriller film directed by Jay Baruchel. The film follows Todd (Jesse Williams), a comic writer who starts seeing the murders within his comic come to life around him, as the serial killer that the comic is based on becomes active once again.
I enjoyed this film for having a hard look at violence within our society. What inspires what? If a killer watches a violent movie that then inspires there killing does the movie bare any responsibility? Obviously the answer is no. Can we become trapped in cycles with forces that define our life for the worst almost forming a co-dependant partnership with them? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but the film sure does take a good stab at it.
I thought the idea itself was quite novel, moreover the execution was incredible; especially considering that Baruchel is an inexperienced director. The tension and real sense of fear in this film is unlike anything I have seen in a long time; it is a very human threat that we could all be susceptible to.
My one issue would be due to this strikingly real-life theme, the film itself is quite depressing. With something like the Conjuring you can divorce it from reality, because it is so larger than life, however you can’t do the same with this. It is not really an issue though as it is to be expected with this type of film.
Overall, a startingly good debut for Baruchel, very well done.
Pros.
The sense of genuine fear
The premise
It keeps you on the edge of your seat, pardon the cliched phrase
You care about the characters
Cons.
Maybe it is a little too dark, a little too close to home
4.5/5
Reviewed by Luke
Another Millennial Reviewer 