BHFF REVIEW: VIOLENCE

• Director: Connor Marsden
• Writer: Connor Marsden, Devin Myler, William Woods
• Stars: Rohan Campbell, Sarah Grey, Greg Bryk, Gregory Ambrose Calderone, Chad Camilleri

REVIEW

Taking place in an alternate 1980s, Henry Violence (Campbell) becomes caught-up in a drug war. As rival cartels battle, Henry tries to take his ex-girlfriend Charlotte (Grey), away from the drugs, the crime and the horror that he introduced her to. As Henry attempts to put things right, his past catches up with him and now he has to make the tough decisions, ones that will lead to more blood and more violence.

Director Connor Marsden pulls all the right moves, keeping the film moving at a cracking pace, Cinematographer Vincent Biron helping paint a dangerous, squalid and punk, neon hued world that is fuelled by drug addiction. The film barely slows down and if it does, it makes you watch the brutality of the world. Hardcore/Punk aesthetic aside, Violence looks and feels like an 80s action-horror film. With a heavy synth score from Nowhere2Run rounding out the film, it helps create the perfect atmosphere.

The brutality in Violence is on display early and often. Our titular protagonist is subjected to a lot of the aforementioned brutality. Stabbed, burned and more Henry somewhat takes on an invincible persona, I guess in the same way John McClane was in Die Hard, able to take a beating but always comeback to inflict just as much punishment as he has endured. Rohan Campbell (Halloween Kills) makes Henry his own, making the most of the character and leaning hard into the anti-hero aspect. The rest of the cast are all excellent, really selling you that this is their lot in life and you have to do what you have to do to survive.

Violence is a hell of a kick-off from Connor Marsden in his first feature film. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Played at The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

Ryan Morrissey-Smith