Violet

Director - Samuel Vainisi (Breathe, Senses)
Starring - Alyss Winkler (Slaughterhouse Slumber Party, Amazon Hot Box), Jason Crowe (Space Babes from Outer Space, Harvest Lake), and Ember Burns (Skeleton Cop, Demonbond)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Can you handle reality"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several months back I was browsing a few horror groups on Facebook looking for new movies to check out when I saw several posts talking about a new indie horror flick from young filmmaker Samuel Vainisi.  The young man is under 18 I believe but already helmed several shorts and just released his new feature.  I went to his website and ordered what DVDs and blus he had available to check out.  I recently decided to give them all a spin.  The two shorts I reviewed were not for me.  I struggled to finish them so I wasn't expecting much different from the feature but I was shocked.  Violet is Vainisi's best work yet and I was a fan.

     The film follows Violet (Winkler) who is solicited online by a man and his friends to come audition for them.  What she doesn't know is that the three men intend on raping her while filming it.  She survives and soon vows to seek revenge on the three men.  However, along the way she meets a man that takes the pain away and she falls in love with him.  Sadly, her quest for vengeance blinds her and she hurts the one she loves.
     I was concerned that I wasn't going to like Violet after checking out Breathe and Akrasia but the film really surprised me.  It was brutal at times but there was also a lot of heart and intimacy in the story that most horror films lack. I was really impressed by this and it only proves my point that Samuel Vainisi will be a name many in the horror community will be familiar with real soon.   The acting in this one is great for the most part.  Violet has a much bigger cast than the previous two shorts.  Alyss Winkler and Jason Crowe are great together.  Their characters are so genuine and very grounded.  They are not over the top or ridiculous but they don't feel cliched or unforgettable. With that being said, the dialogue in this one is rough at times.  I'm sure these scenes I'm referring to was improved but it's really awkward to watch.  The film also has several cameos from other indie horror faces.  Rock Bottom's Brain Papandrea (The Big F, Gray for Pray: The Erotic Adventures of Jesus Christ) makes an appearance along with Arme/Lust director Keith Voigt and artist Justin Talarski.  The story for this one really surprised me.  It has a lot of emotion, which is brought out by Winkler, and then we have the bloody scenes scattered throughout.  This is written completely differently than the two shorts I watched and it flows way better.  It's easy for the viewer to follow.  Finally, there is a few death scenes.  We get some practical effects and plenty of blood.  Gorehounds will not find satisfaction in this one but those looking for an immersive horror experience will enjoy it.  Overall, Violet has a story that will hit some right in the gut.  The cast does a great job and the pacing is perfect.  The dialogue is a bit slop at times but if you sit through it you will really enjoy what Vainisi delivers to viewers.  Check it out.