Parents' Guide to Mayhem

This isn't the first film to feature a rage virus as its central premise, but Joe Lynch's horror satire has a surprising element of realism (no matter how exaggerated), which makes it all the more impactful. Mayhem is a tongue-in-cheek attack on the corporate structures that only benefit the few, and keep the rest down—leading to an entire staff seething with resentment and barely contained anger. Even without the virus, it's not hard to believe that it could only take a small push to send someone over the edge. And the edge is barely visible by the end of this blood-soaked revenge fantasy that can't fail to be compelling and perhaps even cathartic for some. The violence is strong—certainly not for younger viewers, the squeamish, or the easily shocked. Yeun is perfectly cast in the main role, as the everyman pushed to his limits, who's capable of being compassionate, calculated, and aggressive in equal measure. Weaving's character is also a welcome reprieve from horror cliches where women are often powerless. She's introduced as desperate but cunning, and quickly steps into a strength and almost Harley Quinn-like joyful pleasure in her destructive behavior. It helps that supporting characters—Caroline Chikezie and Steven Brand in particular—are equally well-drawn and fully committed, leaving this smart but ultra-violent movie one that will make many genre fans rejoice, but the sheer levels of bloodshed might be too intense for others.