Mayhem Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Office workers get red-eye and decide to solve all their workplace problems with extreme prejudice, making HR a little awkward.

🍿 Mayhem: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of the ID-7 Virus

The film opens with an explanation of the ID-7 virus, also known as the ‘Red Eye’ virus. This virus removes inhibitions, causing people to act on their darkest impulses, potentially leading to violence and even murder. The virus becomes a key element in the unfolding chaos within the Towers and Smythe Consulting law firm.

Derek’s Downfall and the Quarantine

Derek Cho, a lawyer trying to climb the corporate ladder, is framed and fired on the same day the ID-7 virus is detected in the firm’s ventilation system. The building is placed under quarantine, trapping everyone inside for eight hours. Realizing he is infected and therefore not liable for his actions, Derek decides to seek revenge on those who wronged him.

Alliance with Melanie and Ascent to the Top

Derek teams up with Melanie Cross, a disgruntled client also seeking retribution. Together, they fight their way through the infected office building, encountering various obstacles and violent encounters. Their goal is to reach the top floor and confront the executives responsible for their misfortunes, leading to a series of increasingly dangerous and absurd confrontations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Derek Cho (Steven Yeun): A wrongfully fired attorney who uses the ID-7 virus outbreak as an opportunity to seek revenge on his corporate superiors.
• Melanie Cross (Samara Weaving): A disgruntled client who teams up with Derek to fight her way to the top floor and settle her own score.
• John ‘The Boss’ Towers (Steven Brand): The ruthless and corrupt head of the law firm, and Derek’s primary target for revenge.
• Kara ‘The Siren’ Powell (Caroline Chikezie): A manipulative and ambitious executive who frames Derek and serves as a key antagonist.
• Irene Smythe (Kerry Fox): A callous executive who denied Melanie’s loan extension and becomes a target of their rampage.
• Lester ‘The Reaper’ McGill (Dallas Roberts): The HR representative who officially fires Derek, making him an early target during the mayhem.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Melanie Cross: “My mother used to say that no one raindrop ever thought it caused the flood. I now know what she meant by that.” – Melanie reflects on how small actions can have significant consequences, highlighting the theme of individual responsibility.
• Derek Cho: “Fueled by greed, duplicity, and moral decay.” – Derek’s assessment of lawyers, encapsulating the film’s satirical take on corporate culture.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $215,104

💥 Mayhem Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I have to admit, I went into Mayhem expecting a mindless gore-fest, and while it definitely delivered on that front, it surprised me with its sharp wit and surprisingly insightful commentary on corporate greed. The scene where Steven Yeun’s character finally snaps and starts using office supplies as weapons? Pure genius! I actually felt a strange sense of satisfaction. It’s a bit over the top but, man, if you’ve ever had a terrible job, this movie is therapy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-horror movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark humor and satire”
  • “Those who appreciate over-the-top violence”
  • “Fans of Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Mayhem is a wild, hilarious ride that skewers corporate culture with extreme violence and dark humor. Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving deliver standout performances as they navigate the office building of horrors. It’s a bloody good time for fans of the genre!
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A satisfying blend of action, comedy, and horror, Mayhem isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty. It’s a cathartic experience for anyone who’s ever fantasized about unleashing their inner rage at the office.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top violence was incredibly entertaining and cathartic.: Viewers loved the film’s blend of gore, humor, and social satire.

Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving had fantastic chemistry.: Fans enjoyed the leads’ dynamic and their willingness to embrace the chaos.

Overall Consensus: Mayhem is a gleefully violent and darkly funny action-horror flick that offers a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in the corporate world. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The conversation between Derek and Melanie about the Dave Matthews Band wasn’t in the original script, adding an improvisational feel to their interactions.”
• “Director Joe Lynch is known for his love of practical effects and gore, which are prominently featured throughout the film, contributing to its over-the-top and comedic violence.”
• “The movie was filmed in Belgrade, Serbia, which provided a cost-effective location for the corporate office setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mayhem?

As of October 2024, ‘Mayhem’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability on services like Shudder, which has previously carried the film. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies online at retailers such as Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mayhem, you might like these similar films:

• The Belko Experiment (2016): Features office workers forced to kill each other in a confined building, creating a similar violent and darkly comedic scenario.
• Office Space (1999): Explores the frustrations and absurdities of corporate office life, with characters rebelling against the system.
• Ready or Not (2019): Features Samara Weaving in another role as a woman fighting for her survival in a darkly comedic and violent situation.
• Falling Down (1993): A man pushed to the edge reacts violently to the petty annoyances of everyday life, mirroring the themes of societal frustration in Mayhem.

🛒 Mayhem Related Products

• Mayhem (Blu-ray): Own the mayhem! This Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Mayhem – Derek Cho: Add a touch of mayhem to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Derek Cho, complete with a bloody office weapon!
• Mayhem: Hostile Work Environment T-Shirt: Show your love for the film with this stylish T-shirt featuring the iconic tagline: “Hostile. Work. Environment.”
• Office Rampage: The Mayhem Game: A brutal office survival game where players must navigate a virus-infected workplace, battling coworkers to reach the top floor. Featuring characters and weapons inspired by the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mayhem features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Thieving Magpie, Overture” – performed by Gioachino Rossini
• “Unknown Title” – performed by Steve Moore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mayhem React to Lords of Chaos Movie

Ever wondered what the actual band Mayhem thought about that ‘Lords of Chaos’ movie? Well, wonder no more! They actually watched it and have some pretty strong opinions. You gotta see this, Necrobutcher definitely doesn’t hold back!

An Ignorant Guide to Black Metal

Black metal can be a bit… intense. This video breaks it all down with a good dose of humor, explaining the history and the key players (like Mayhem!) in a way that’s actually easy to understand. Trust me, you’ll laugh and learn something!

✨ Rate