User reviews

Mayhem is an awesome movie with a fun premise. It's very entertaining and kept making me smile from how crazy it is. Some good dark humor. Likeable lead actor and actress. Good music too.

Samara Weaving is so damn cool, and it's not just because she's stunningly beautiful. (2 viewings, 8/6/2022)

Excellent action film. The movie never slows down.

'Mayhem (2017)' a bit like 'Office Space (1999)' crossed with '28 Days Later... (2002)', seeing a virus that strips away all your inhibitions (which, in practice, just means it makes you want to fight and... well, you know) make its way inside a shady law firm, which sends the place into complete chaos as the CDC lock it down to perform contamination control. When it gets going, it's almost like a video-game; our heroes start in the basement and must make their way up the building to confront the big boss, aiming to obtain certain key cards along the way so that they can make use of the executive elevator. It's a mixture of dark comedy and all-out action, using its pseudo-horror concept as a catalyst for all its eponymous mayhem. It's a bit difficult to divorce the lead characters from their motives because, even though they have both been treated poorly and are infected with the virus, their revenge equates to nothing other than straight-up murder. Unlike in most movies that deal with a similar topic, this behaviour isn't criticised in any way and, without spoiling anything, it doesn't exactly lead to their downfall, which makes for a slightly uncomfortable watch. Basically, the feature clearly isn't interested in its own ethics. In fact, it even goes out of its way to provide a 'get out of jail free' card for its characters, as it's stated that nobody is legally responsible for their actions while under the effects of the virus - even though, much like alcohol, it only makes them do what they otherwise wanted to (hence, murder is still murder). If you get onboard with the picture's own mentality, it is possible to have a bit of brainless fun with it, though. After a rather rough, narration-heavy opening, the affair picks up the pace and is generally enjoyable. Its action is brutal and relatively exciting, with a sense of escalation that ultimately leads to a satisfying conclusion. The actors all do a decent job with the material (although the villain has a hard time keeping his American accent) and the filmmaking is on-point throughout. In the end, this is typically an entertaining action flick. It isn't distinct or, even, well-executed enough to stand out from its peers (and its morals are, shall we say, a bit iffy), but it's a solid effort that successfully straddles a couple of genres. 6/10.

And far better than it had any right to be. Helped a lot by Stephen Yuen, who damn well ought to be in a lot more movies. Samara Weaving (very good in Netflix' "The Baby-Sitter") adds a lot to the film as well.

Think of it as a grind-house Office Space, and you won't go wrong. Lots of blood, profanity, and (oddly enough) the slightest touches of profundity.

Don't expect anything more than over-the-top violence, weird laughs, and blistering payback and you'll have a good, if low-brow time.

This is a movie that doesn't take itself seriously and neither should the viewer. With that in mind, I found Mayhem to be very entertaining. Steven Yeun (a "Walking Dead" regular) and Samara Weaving personalities were both fun to watch and provided good laughs at the right moments without trying to be too cute. This film has lots of violence and blood which I suppose could be off-putting for some, but not coupled with a lot of unnecessary special effects gore, so I didn't find any of the scenes squeamish. All said, I felt Mayhem provided an hour and a half of solid entertainment and would recommend it as an above average watch.

A brilliant indictment of the American financial and insurance system, a primal scream against the 1%, and a hell of a good time with some inventive gore and lots of uncomfortable laughs.

The two leads here, Yeun and Weaving, should already be superstars and household names. Their rapport is fantastic, and Yeun proves that his popularity on The Walking Dead was not a fluke.

The movie is directed by Joe Lynch with a surplus of style, with the movie capturing the same manic energy in certain Scorsese films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Bringing Out the Dead.

Though the story is contained primarily to a single high-rise office building, Lynch smartly mapped his landscape early on so when the chaos starts, the audience already knows where the important players are and how they have to travel.

Though I'm glad it was picked up by Shudder, it does seem like the kind of movie that would have a long and happy cult movie life popping up on cable. I hope that it finds its long-term audience and becomes a favorite of the horror-comedy-commentary arena like its predecessor Battle Royale.

I'm sure most people working in a busy office environment have, at some point, had that waking dream where they go postal, slaughtering their colleagues in an orgy of uncontrolled violence (or is it just me?). In Mayhem, an entire workforce flips out thanks to the ID-7 virus, which removes inhibitions, allowing basic instincts to rise to the surface. Quarantined in his office building for eight hours while an antidote takes effect, recently fired attorney Derek Cho (Yeun) uses the opportunity to even the score with the company's bosses, knowing that he won't be held accountable for his actions. Together with a disgruntled client, Melanie Cross (Samara Weaving), Derek tries to get to the uppermost floor (where his 'superiors' work) maiming or killing anyone who gets in his way.

When a film is titled Mayhem, I expect just that: absolute chaos, with the sex and violence pushed to the limit. Director Joe Lynch's film has its moments, but for the most part I couldn't help but feel that it pulled its punches, never quite achieving the level of outrageousness that such a wild concept requires. There is plenty of 'stylish' violence, but it isn't all that graphic, while the sex scene between Derek and Melanie is completely devoid of nudity (clothes-on movie sex is so lame). Also, Derek and Melanie seem to be in complete control of their faculties when it suits the plot, which further undermines the basic premise.

With an excess of graphic gore and gratuitous nudity, this mix of The Belko Experiment, 28 Days Later, and The Raid could have been a classic; as it stands, it's not as good as any of those films. Oh, and Samara Weaving's scream is just bizarre.

So this is one of those "tries to do lots of genres at once" type movies, and they're usually my favourite. The problem here wasn't so much that it felt particularly uneven or tonally conflicted: it was more just that for all the genres it dipped its toes into, it didn't really satisfy in any of them.

Was there comedy? Kind of, but I barely cracked a smile more than once or twice. Was there action? Kind of, but it wasn't particularly well-choreographed or satisfying or memorable. Was there horror? I mean... not really; I wasn't scared for a second about anything. Was there satire? Yes, but nothing the movie said was particularly exciting or substantive. Was it effective as a thriller? Sort of, in the sense that it was fast-paced and structurally sound.

However, the rest of the writing faltered, as the characters were mostly very simple, the dialogue stilted and predictable, and the resolution a little rushed. Steven Yuen does a very good job however and deserved a much better script to work with. Him, the solid direction, and the fact that the movie is not boring and moves at a good pace are a few of the reasons that keep me from wanting to call this movie "bad."

It was all just a little underwhelming, and I can't see myself remembering much about it at all by this time next week.

A virus takes control over the working staff of a big company - mayhem and violence breaks out in the offices, blood flows. If you like movies like The Belko Experiment, The Night Watchmen, Infestation etc., Mayhem will also work for you - you get some blood and action, some funny moments, a good production and also some known actors like Steven Yeun (TWD), Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and Dallas Roberts (3:10 to Yuma, The Grey) and some more. Nothing special but a solid and entertaining bloody horror comedy - for fans of the genre.

For a movie about Mayhem in an office building due to a rage virus, there sure is a lot of talking and it sure takes a long time to get to the action. Aussie Goddess Samara Weaving is great as always but the rest of the movie is a bit of a chore. Maybe if I worked in an office building it would be more exciting but I wouldn't waste 90 minutes on watching it again. Such a shame after Knights of Badassdom from the same director was so much fun

Mayhem: Directed by Joe Lynch and written by Matias Caruso

This, this is the movie The Belko Experiment should have been. This movie is bloody and brutal. This movie is funny and moves like a bolt of lightning in 87 minutes. It is the exact perfect length. This movie is a lot of fun. It makes my subscription to Shudder worth it even more when they have wonderfully, exhilarating movies like this.

This comes from Joe Lynch, the fun B movie director that turned the Wrong Turn series into what it became with Wrong Turn 2. He directed Salma Hayek's bad ass but heartfelt desperation in Everly. He has a handle on material like this. I can not wait to see what else he has in store or films I may have missed. He knows exactly what he wants to do. He fills the movie with vibrant color and creative kills feeding on the office related puns and jokes to weave in this story of redemption and finding life even through the muck and the bile.

The acting is superb. Steven Yuen proves that he has the chops to be a terrific leading man. He has the intensity. He has the vulnerability and he has the comedic timing. I think this movie showed even more of what he has to offer than Okja or the Walking Dead. Samara Weaving is fun and clever. Add this to her excellent villianous turn in The Babysitter and she's another one I can't wait to see what she does. The characters are fine tuned to a higher pitch but it works within the confines of this story. They are total lunatics especially when the virus reaches a fever pitch.

This was a fun, terrific movie. You would be hard pressed to find another horror comedy this solid, this stylish and this much of a damn good time. I give this movie a B.

This is a blatant clone of the Belko Experiment but its actually better than the original.

It started off really well but ended up with predictable gory violence that belied its smart start - could have been a really smart virus epidemic movie but went off the rails somewhere so gets a 6 instead of a 7.

Dialogue was good (liked the forbidden planet references) as was the acting and anyone that has worked in an office knows they would love to kill and seriously f*** up some if not all of your sad incompetent managers and stab in the back co-workers - I know I would for sure so for us killers in waiting its a bit more exciting than it would be for the "normal" sheeple!

Great Film for those who work in an office and fantasise about offing your fellow co-workers! Now where did I put my Hammer!

Finished the new movie Mayhem. It stars Steven Yeun from the Walking Dead so I figured I'd give it a watch. The story is pretty simple, a large lawfirm gets infected by a virus that makes everyone go crazy and start to kill each other. The story is pretty much a backdrop to over-the-top brutal violence.

It has some funny bits of black comedy also thrown in for good measure. The gore was well done and the action pretty fun. It may not be the most original concept, but Mayhem still delivered an entertaining ride. A 7.5 out of 10.

Just saw this at the Fantasia film festival last night and loved every second. A humour-filled, ultra-violent movie which skewers corporate office life -often literally. For anyone who has ever worked in a cubicle or hated their boss. Brilliantly funny and gory in equal amounts. So glad I went!

The movie starts with a good activity and sudden accidents. An unknown virus spreads quickly across a office and along the virus the movie kicks off very quickly with some real firework..all the events occurred within first hour of the movie..all with great pace and creates much much interest in the mind of audience..

But soon the diversity of action and thoughts diminishes..chaos and violence begins to take the upperhand..More and more ordinary killing scenes appears..scenes of flesh and blood.. many will find them intolerable..hence the movie loses it's track.

Towards the end some glimps of brightness and good climax arrives..But not enough to really surprise the audience..

But if we see overall composer of it then we find this excellent start is neutralized by the sudden drop at the end. Still it remains in the positive marking. If we substract the bad and good of this film the answer will be + . so i suggest you to see the film and make your own rating

The story told in "Mayhem" was just a bit too over the top, and the entire plot sort of descended into ridiculousness.

There were some alright scenes of violence here and there ,and also scenes of just downright bizarre hilarious events.

The cast was good, although Steven Yeun will have a hard time of shedding his Glenn character mantle from "The Walking Dead". And while he was the main name billing "Mayhem", then he hardly rose up to the occasion and didn't put on a spotless or brilliant performance. So much for riding the success of your name from a previous project, huh?

The plot and storyline was rather predictable, and the ending to the movie was a slap to the face.

"Mayhem" was an overall mediocre movie at best.

I don't know why it took me so long to finally watch this movie. I loved it! It was a funny scary bloody extravaganza that's not a full-on zombie movie, but more around the style of The Crazies mixed with The Belko Experiment. Steven Yeun from The Walking Dead and Samara Weaving from The Babysitter and Ready or Not made a great team up!

Yeun stars as a Derek Cho, a lawyer that works at a company called Towers and Smythe Consulting (TSC) Recently, there has been a virus sweeping the nation called ID-7. It's not lethal, but infects neural pathways, removing all inhibition and moral integrity, resulting in people acting out their darkest impulses, which may include murder. It gives people a red eye, and it lasts for up to 8 hours.

One day, Derek meets a desperate client named Melanie who needs more time on a loan. He's unable to help her, and sends her away. Derek's boss and his right hand woman discover a bungled case and pin the fallout on Derek, which causes him to get fired.

While security is dragging him to the door, the CDC and some SWAT trucks show up, quarantining the building because there's an outbreak of ID-7. Derek decides to take advantage of the situation and try to get to the topo floor and take revenge against his boss. Along the way, he teams up with Melanie, so she can exact her revenge for her house being taken away. Derek and Melanie have 8 hours to get to the top floor, because any crime committed while exposed to the virus will not be deemed liable due to the virus' influence. Derek shoots, stabs, slices, and claws his way to the top, fighting off his angry co-workers. If you love bloody gory tales of people going crazy, I would highly recommend MAYHEM!!!

It's nearly four years since this film was released that I watched it for the fist time. I'm an avid horror film fan, and I'm a huge "The Walking Dead" fan, so seeing Steven Yeun was in this film piqued my interest right away when I read about it. Well, on to the review, I will keep it short. First of all, Yeun completely makes this movie as good as it, with Samara Weaving along side for additional character support-she was really good also. The story of the virus causing an entire office to go crazy seemed to ridiculous upon my learning of the story line, but I was wrong to think that as the whole plot and chaos going on in the office was really fun to watch. There are a lot of subtle humor points along the way that will leave you smiling in spite of the visual horrors at hand, and that was a refreshing take for me with this film. That's about all I want to mention so watch it if you haven't already. I think you will enjoy it.

If it wasn't for Steven Yeun this film would've been a complete disaster. The plot and idea was alright, however the acting was terrible, for the first half the acting was dull and boring and later into the film it just felt tacky. The action scenes are pretty good.

It's good to see Steven Yeun doing things post-TWD.

Office Space meets American Psycho meets The Crazies meets The Purge. It's labeled as a comedy, but that's a bit misleading. There are a few jokes, but it's barely even what I'd call a dark comedy.

Big time law firm is hit with a violence-inducing virus and all hell breaks loose during their quarantine. Fairly gruesome. Not an overly complex plot. Some morals about the best revenge. Some good editing, and while the acting wasn't the best I've seen, there was a decent cast.

You'll never look at a maintenance closet the same way again. Definitely won't change the average person's opinion on the law profession. 6/10.

A clever twist to the zombie format that makes people's lack of inhibition the catalyst for blood-lust. It gets off to a slow start by setting up the office politics, but once it goes into overdrive, it's a pretty relentless slaughter-fest. It is a little one dimensional, and probably more of a cathartic experience for anyone who works in the corporate environment, which I personally don't. Cool to see how, for whatever reason, Samara Weaving has been type cast with these kinds of bad-ass roles and has become quite a dependable face as I've at least somewhat enjoyed everything I've seen her in.