V/H/S/Beyond: A Sci-Fi-Horror Anthology Review
The latest addition to the V/H/S horror anthology series, ‘V/H/S/Beyond’, brings a sci-fi twist to its chilling tales. While this may seem like a departure from the usual horror themes, previous entries have featured alien elements, maintaining the series’ signature style. The film consists of a wraparound story titled ‘Abduction/Adduction’ interspersed with five distinct stories of fear and suspense.
The first segment, ‘Stork’, directed by Jordan Downey, follows a police unit named W.A.R.D.E.N. as they launch a relentless assault on a building, captured through body cameras. This bloody and intense story draws comparisons to past V/H/S favourites like ‘Safe Haven’ and ‘The Subject’. Following the high-octane ‘Stork’, Virat Pal’s ‘Dream Girl’ unfolds, offering another intense narrative filled with death and destruction, setting the tone for the remaining tales.
Justin Martinez’s ‘Live and Let Dive’, a skydiving-gone-wrong story, showcases the filmmaker’s visual creativity and adds a thrilling dimension to the anthology. Justin Long and Christian Long deliver a truly bizarre and unsettling experience with ‘Fur Babies’, featuring a sinister transformation by Libby Letlow’s character, Becky. The final segment, ‘Stowaway’, written by Mike Flanagan and directed by Kate Siegel, offers a visually stunning narrative but lacks the compelling storyline found in the earlier segments.
Overall, ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ continues to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent, offering viewers a frighteningly fun experience. The film’s diverse range of stories keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, blending sci-fi and horror elements seamlessly.
Are you a fan of the V/H/S series? Share your favourite instalment with us at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and let us know your thoughts and recommendations. ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ is currently available for streaming on Shudder, providing horror enthusiasts with a thrilling cinematic experience.
In summary, ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ presents a captivating blend of sci-fi and horror narratives, showcasing the creative talents of emerging filmmakers. Each segment offers a unique and chilling journey, making this anthology a must-watch for fans of the genre.