Mayhem

Mayhem is a thoroughly engaging and adrenaline-spiked thriller that skillfully blends the boundaries of comedy, action, and horror genres. Released in 2017, the movie is headlined by Steven Yeun, best known for his role in the hit television series, "The Walking Dead," who showcases his ability to elevate genre material with his charismatic screen presence and deadpan comedy chops. Samara Weaving, an equally strong and emerging performer known for her roles in horror films, also delivers a knockout, raw performance. The supporting cast, including the talented Steven Brand, further strengthens the film's undeniable appeal, making for an undeniably thrilling watch.

Directed by Joe Lynch and scripted by Matias Caruso, Mayhem is set in the confines of a sleek, towering corporate office. The plot kicks into gear as a mysterious virus, capable of causing the infected to lose their inhibitions and resort to their most primitive instincts, spreads throughout the building. The virus forms a core part of the narrative, serving as a catalyst to the turbulent events that subsequently unfold within the towering corporate edifice, which serves as a metaphor for the soulless and facelessly cruel world of corporate law.

Steven Yeun plays Derek Cho, an underappreciated attorney working at Towers and Smythe Consulting, who becomes a cog in the firm's ruthless machine. When he is wrongfully fired, he fortuitously becomes infected by the virus. As the instincts kick in, he decides to exact his revenge upon his employers without any legal repercussions due to the virus' effects.

Joining Derek on his quest is Melanie Cross, portrayed by Samara Weaving. Melanie is a wronged client of the firm who also seeks her pound of flesh from the untouchable corporate overlords. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, building off each other's rage and desire for justice.

As the film progresses, Derek and Melanie must navigate their way through the virus-infected office building, battling everyone from junior associates to the firm's top executives, who are encouraged by their altered states to engage in uncontrolled, and often violent, outbursts. The narrative melds elements of horror, comedy, and action, bringing an unexpected flavour to the well-trodden trope of fighting the corporate system.

Director Joe Lynch does an admirable job of maintaining a brisk pace throughout the movie without letting the narrative's tension wane. Each scene springs to life with Lynch's innovative stylization and the cinematography's striking visuals, effectively framing the chaos. The edgy soundtrack further infuses the proceedings with a pulsating energy that perfectly complements the on-screen madness.

Steven Yeun's measured performance as Derek is a compelling mix of wit, intelligence, and raw anger, which forms the emotional center of the movie. He makes the audience care for Derek as he fights against the stacked odds, while simultaneously keeping them entertained with his charm and comic timing. On the other hand, Samara Weaving is a revelation as the angry and resourceful Melanie, perfectly balancing the emotion and the ferocity needed for the role. The chemistry between Yeun and Weaving is electric and helps carry the movie's storyline, which often dials up the mayhem to explosive proportions. Steven Brand, part of the supporting cast, is also memorable for his menacing performance.

Overall, Mayhem is a high-voltage, kinetic thriller with ample doses of dark humor and visceral action sequences. It offers an uncompromisingly raw and often ludicrously entertaining look at the corporate world, marked by standout performances from Yeun and Weaving. With its tightly packed narrative and well-executed action sequences, the movie proves to be a wildly entertaining and thrilling ride, managing to intrigue, excite, and amuse its audience in equal measure.