Books of Blood
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 7, 2020
Genre
Horror, Anthology
Cast & Crew
- Britt Robertson as Jenna
- Rafi Gavron as Gavin
- Anna Friel as Mary
- Yul Vazquez as Bennett
- Freda Foh Shen as Ellie
- Andy McQueen as Steve
- Nicholas Campbell as Sam
Director
Brannon Braga
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Notable as a writer/producer for “Star Trek” series
- Co-writer of the film “Mission: Impossible 2” (2000)
- Showrunner for “Salem” (2014-2017)
Producer
- Seth MacFarlane
- Brannon Braga
- Erica Huggins
- Jason Clark
- Brian Witten
Writer
- Brannon Braga
- Adam Simon
- Based on the short story collection by Clive Barker
Budget
Estimated at $10 million
Production Company
- Fuzzy Door Productions
- Fox 21 Television Studios
- Hulu
Running Time
107 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-MA
Content Advisory
- Graphic violence
- Gore
- Sexual content
- Strong language
- Disturbing imagery
Movie Story
“Books of Blood” is a horror anthology film inspired by the works of Clive Barker, particularly his famous series of short stories by the same name. The film weaves together three terrifying tales, each exploring different aspects of fear, the supernatural, and the unknown.
The first story centers on Jenna (Britt Robertson), a troubled young woman running away from her past. Jenna, suffering from extreme misophonia (a condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional responses), finds herself staying at a strange bed-and-breakfast in a seemingly quiet town. However, she quickly realizes that the house harbors dark secrets, and her escape from her past might have led her into an even more horrifying nightmare.
The second story follows Mary (Anna Friel), a grieving mother who is desperate to communicate with her deceased son. Mary meets Simon (Rafi Gavron), a charismatic and mysterious medium who claims he can contact the dead. As Mary delves deeper into the world of the supernatural, she uncovers a terrifying truth about Simon and the malevolent forces at play.
The final story revolves around Bennett (Yul Vazquez), a hitman on the hunt for a valuable book that is said to be worth millions. His quest leads him to a remote town, where he discovers that the book he seeks is bound in human skin and contains the names of the dead. As Bennett tries to claim his prize, he finds himself drawn into a horrifying chain of events that threatens to consume him.
The film is a dark exploration of human fears, both psychological and supernatural, with each tale linked by a common thread of horror. “Books of Blood” is a chilling journey into the macabre, where the lines between reality and nightmare are blurred, and the consequences of one’s actions are terrifyingly real.
Special Effects
“Books of Blood” utilizes a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring its horrifying tales to life. The film’s gore and creature effects are particularly well-executed, capturing the visceral horror that Clive Barker’s stories are known for. The use of shadow, eerie lighting, and unsettling sound design enhances the film’s atmosphere, creating a sense of dread that lingers throughout the anthology.
Box Office Performance
As a Hulu Original, “Books of Blood” did not have a traditional box office release. The film premiered exclusively on the streaming platform and garnered a mixed reception from critics and audiences. While some praised its dark and unsettling atmosphere, others felt that the anthology format lacked cohesion, and that the stories were uneven in their execution.
Filming Locations
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
Notable Quotes
- “There are places in this world that are stronger in the spirit than others.” – Simon
- “Books of blood… every story has a soul.” – Bennett
Behind-the-Scenes
“Books of Blood” is the first feature film directed by Brannon Braga, who is better known for his work in television, particularly in the “Star Trek” franchise. The film was produced by Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door Productions, marking a departure from MacFarlane’s typical comedic work. The anthology format allowed Braga to explore different aspects of horror, drawing inspiration directly from Clive Barker’s original stories.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“Books of Blood” is a dark and twisted anthology that will appeal to fans of Clive Barker and those who enjoy horror that delves into the macabre. While the film’s stories are uneven, it successfully captures the unsettling and grotesque nature of Barker’s work. The film’s haunting atmosphere and well-crafted special effects make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts, though it may not resonate with all audiences.
IMDb Rating
5.6/10