Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is a 2016 horror anthology film that is hosted by a horror hostess named Mrs. Johnson (Kristine Renee Farley) who is a fan of horror stories. The film is a sequel to the 2015 film Volumes of Blood, which was also an anthology series. The film consists of five horror stories that are set in the small town of Owensboro, Kentucky.
The first story in the film is called "Murder Death Killer," which is about a group of friends who are being stalked by a masked killer while they try to watch a horror movie in a deserted theater. The second story is called "Haters," which is about a social media influencer named Nick (Moses Moseley) who has a massive following online but is being terrorized by an unknown stalker who is hell-bent on ruining his online reputation.
The third story is called "Trick or Treat," which is a Halloween-themed story about a man named Jacob (Jason Crowe) who is on a mission to retrieve his missing sister after she is kidnapped by a dangerous cult. The fourth story is called "Feeding Time," which is about a family who is terrorized by a group of strangers who have invaded their home and are intent on feeding on their fear.
The final story in the film is called "Blood Bath," which is about a group of college students who are investigating a haunted house that was the site of a gruesome murder a decade earlier. As the students spend the night in the house, they start to experience strange and terrifying occurrences that lead to a shocking conclusion.
Throughout the film, Mrs. Johnson acts as a framing device, providing commentary and linking the stories together. She is a bright and engaging character who is both charming and menacing at the same time. Her presence adds an extra layer of fun to the proceedings, and she is a welcome addition to the film.
The performances in Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories are solid across the board. Moses Moseley, who is best known for his role as Michonne's pet walker on The Walking Dead, is a standout in the film. He brings a lot of charisma and energy to his role as the social media influencer, and his performance helps to anchor the film.
The horror in Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is both gruesome and inventive. Each of the five stories has a unique spin on the horror genre, and the filmmakers display a deep love and respect for the genre throughout. The film is also highly self-aware, with several nods to classic horror films and tropes.
One of the strengths of Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is the creativity of the filmmakers. Despite having a limited budget, they are able to create some impressive and eerie set pieces. The story "Blood Bath," in particular, has some impressive practical effects, and the haunted house set is both creepy and impressive.
Overall, Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is a fun and inventive horror anthology that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film is well-made, with solid performances, inventive stories, and gruesome horror. With its charming hostess and self-aware tone, the film is both a homage to classic horror and a fresh take on the genre.
Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes.
