Watch Bordello Death Tales

Bordello Death Tales, a 2009 independent horror film, is an anthology with three separate stories taking place in the ominous setting of a brothel. Each of these bloodcurdling tales is directed by one of the three directors who collaborated on the film, Prometheus Pictures' James Eaves, Pat Higgins, and Alan Ronald. The first story, directed by Eaves, is a tale of revenge as two women attempt to settle a centuries-old score with the brothel's proprietress, Madame Raven (Faye Goodwin). The second story, directed by Higgins, tells the story of a group of friends who set out on a misguided treasure hunt in the seedy brothel, only to come face-to-face with the horrors within. The third and final story, directed by Ronald, picks up where the second story left off, as the brothel's previous clients, now turned into zombies, return to take their revenge on those who wronged them.

The film is a low-budget horror movie that considers most of its viewers to be genre veterans, intent on finding something a bit different than the usual hack-and-slash fair. The violence is strong but not excessive, relying heavily on practical effects, rather than computer-generated imagery. The theme of revenge threads through all three stories in different ways, and the setting of the brothel creates a claustrophobic environment perfect for inducing shudders.

The film has its share of issues, such as uneven writing and pacing. While each of the stories certainly offers up its share of scares, the narratives feel a bit disconnected. However, the cinematography and creative direction are intentionally bold, and the unpredictable twists and turns of the individual stories make up for the weaknesses in the overarching plot.

The acting performances in the Bordello Death Tales are mixed, with some notable standouts. Stuart Gregory, who appears in all three stories, delivers a powerful portrayal of a man struggling with a personal demon in the second and third segments. Faye Baker, who plays Raven’s companion, Jessica, is likewise entirely convincing as the more sensible woman who prefers rationality over supernatural beliefs. In contrast, Goodwin's performance as Raven is sometimes exaggerated and overplayed, detracting somewhat from the atmosphere of fear in some of the scenes.

Overall, Bordello Death Tales is a horror movie akin to a throwback to the classics of the genre. The film's three stories feature enough variety to keep the viewer engaged, and while the film is not perfect, it is a fearsome and entertaining ride through the world of horror. It provides an excellent choice for fans of the genre who appreciate independent productions, consider a horror film to be a necessity on any movie night.