“MAYHEM” (2017) | Film Review

Reference to Jackie Chan: none available

“I feel like I wanna bang around and break bones!”

If you’re an office worker who puts up with the madness within your four walls and with your oh-so-lovely colleagues day in, day out, you’ll absolutely understand the premise of this black action comedy. Sometimes you just want to have a good reason to go all out.

Important tip from me: Don’t do it and look for a healthy outlet to release frustration.

In “MAYHEM” there is this valid reason due to a virus that makes those affected either anxious, aggressive or horny. Or all at once. DEREK CHO has worked his way up in a shitty consulting firm and still has to grovel in front of his superiors when they want to hold him solely responsible for a failed client deal.

On his last day at the office, Derek not only fights against his unjustified dismissal, but also against the virus that is slowly but surely turning everyone in the company building into a massacring zombie. Figuratively speaking. Although those affected are aware of every action, a previous precedent in the USA means that the keyboard warriors in suits and ties infected by the virus are legally acquitted, as they are not sane. A free pass for Derek, fire away for mayhem.

And in all the chaos, we once again see the enchanting Queen of Gore from Down Under, SAMARA WEAVING, in the role of a true “strong female lead” as a lawyer, tailor-made for her body, mind and soul. The mismatched pair of murderers begin their battle with a nail gun, hammer and circular saw. He to defend his honour and job, and she to save her house.

As viewers, we experience an unorthodox spectacle that takes us out of our everyday lives and manages without any of the stereotypes of modern screenwriting. And that is precisely why “MAYHEM” works so well. And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t wanted to stomp through the arrogant HR department swinging their fists just to give their boss in the neighbouring office a good kicking?

Violence is no solution. Except in this film with Samara Weaving and Steven Yeun in top form.

An infectious 6.3 out of 10 stars

Original trailer | “MAYHEM” (2017)

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