Volumes Of Blood

Volumes of Blood is a 2015 American indie horror anthology movie that was directed by multiple talents including P.J. Starks, Nathan Thomas Milliner and Jakob Bilinski. This avant-garde film masterfully weaves together separate horror narratives into a spine-chilling compendium. The esteemed cast features Lynn Lowry, Roni Jonah, and Jeff Armstrong, and also heralds noteworthy performances from Jim O'Rear, Kristine Renee Farley, and Jason Crowe.

The film kicks off at a library in the small town of Owensboro, Kentucky. Five morbid tales are told by students, each seeking to outperform their peers in telling the most horrifying story. To do this, they resourcefully use the collection of books that surround them. As they delve deeper into their imaginations, weaving narratives of fear and horror, one might wonder what the consequence will be for handling gruesome literature in such a hands-on approach.

Lynn Lowry, a veteran in the horror genre with appearances in cult-classic films like "Shivers" (1975) and "The Crazies" (1973), brings her infamous brand of weirdness to Volumes of Blood. Her storied career in horror bolsters the film's hold in the thriller category, allowing her to fully express her decades-long horror experience, making her a worthy scare maestro in an array of terrifying scenes.

Roni Jonah, the former professional wrestling diva turned actress, puts on a strong performance. Known for her roles in films such as "The Zombie Movie," Jonah gracefully transitions between vulnerability and strength, humanizing her character against the backdrop of fear and suspense.

On the other hand, Jeff Armstrong, an accomplished actor known for roles in “Overtime” and “Hell Is Full,” provides a solid performance. His ability to create believable fear and suspense anchors the narrative and he adeptly builds on the tension through his expert delivery of lines and intricate facial expressions.

Volumes of Blood cleverly toys with various horror sub-genres— from slasher to psychological terror— offering a bit of everything for horror enthusiasts. It's punctuated by clever dark humor which provides timely comic relief from the intense horror sequences. The film is akin to flipping through a novel of horror, with each chapter offering a new scare, a new setting, and a new set of characters. It's a film that respects its roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre.

The film’s special effects, ranging from eerie atmospheric tension to shockingly visceral gore, are accomplished superbly. The varying atmospheres, from the claustrophobic library to the expansive outdoors, subtly enhance the horror in every segment, adding depth and unnerving realism to every chilling tale.

In true anthology style, the narrative in Volumes of Blood is non-linear. Although each story can stand by itself, there's an element of interconnectedness that's masterfully stitched together by each director's individual approach. It's a film that enjoys the reveal, unwinding slowly and then striking quickly. The format allows for a refreshing change of pace, setting, and characters which, in turn, keeps the viewer engrossed and the terror at peak levels.

Script-wise, the film is loaded with smart dialogue and a lot of meta-commentary on the nature of horror itself, adding another layer to the terror. There's a love for the genre that bleeds through the presentation of every story, creating a sense of relatability with the audience.

In a nutshell, Volumes of Blood is a greatest hits compilation of your worst nightmares. It's a banquet of terror and gore served in believable settings with relatable characters with more than a hint of black comedy. It's perfect for fans of horror anthologies or anyone who appreciates innovative, independent horror cinema.