By Becca Johnson October 2, 2024
Every year like clockwork since 2021, we have been promptly welcomed into spooky season by the found footage anthology franchise V/H/S. Becoming synonymous with the start of October, this years entry is the seventh instalment into the franchise, and features highly anticipated segments directed by the horror genres own Kate Siegel (Hush) and Justin Long (Barbarian). It also promises to be the bloodiest of the series thus far.
With a range of impressive, unique ideas, an interesting overarching theme and bloody scares aplenty, V/H/S/Beyond is one of the best additions into the franchise for quite some time.
Synopsis
Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense.
Review
Each V/H/S flick, despite being made up of individual segments helmed by different creators, has a theme it abides by. Whether that be a specific time period or another genre of horror altogether (see V/H/S:Viral’s Internet theme, or last year’s 80’s underbelly deep dive), its always fun piecing each segment together to create a bigger picture. As the title has suggested to many during the lead-up, V/H/S/Beyond takes us on a journey into the sci-fi horror sub-genre, which makes for an absolute treat. The overarching story that combines each short together is the most interesting we’ve seen for a few years, as it fully leans into its alien aspect to provide a roster of incredibly different directorial efforts that flow together nicely. There is perhaps one short in here, Christian and Justin Long’s ‘Fur Babies’, that doesn’t quite have the same vibe as the rest, but it’s still a fun entry providing plenty of entertainment.
It’s always fun seeing a group of directors come together on the same project, and that gimmick still hasn’t worn off when it comes to V/H/S. This time around, we get to experience work from Jordan Downey (ThanksKilling), Christian Long (Lady of the Manor), Justin Long (Barbarian), Kate Siegel (Hush), Virat Pal (The Bells), Justin Martinez (Southbound) and Jay Cheel (How to Build a Time Machine). Each director brings their own flair and creativity, creating a set of shorts that consistently keep you on the edge of your seat. This franchise is known for providing out-there ideas, especially with last years cosmic theme, though 2024’s installment leaves a lot more to chew on than we’re used to seeing from recent entries. From a gnarly sky-diving accident to a Bollywood movie set, a doggy day-care service to a dilapidated house with a terrifying discovery, V/H/S/Beyond takes viewers on a surprising, consistently intriguing journey. The bonus of anthologies is that the shocks, scares and killer endings just keep on coming, with the movie utilising as many of those as possible. Fans will be happy to hear that the two most anticipated segments, delivered by Siegel (written by Mike Flanagan) and the Long’s, are undeniably the strongest of all. One opts for something particularly disturbing, shocking and sinister, whereas the other goes for something a little slower and dread-inducing, though both are highly impressive. There isn’t any particular segment here that’s particularly underwhelming, making for a solid all-rounder.
The found footage element is utilised just as well as it should be. Full of shaky handhelds, body cams, CCTV cameras and more, it commits to the sub-genre by creating plenty of ways in which the footage can be captured, and it always manages to be believable. The found footage element throws you straight into the deep end with the characters, creating a fully immersive journey which helps increase the scares. Furthermore, the promise of this being the goriest and bloodiest effort thus far may ring true. Whilst it may not reach the heights of the early instalments into the franchise, V/H/S/Beyond features a satisfying amount of effective jump scares, gnarly kills, terrifying creatures and buckets of bloodshed. Two segments in particular aren’t for the faint of heart, with their uniquely disturbing and shocking nature. The sci-fi premise should not deter you from pushing play during spooky season, as there’s plenty of stomach-churning moments that fit the brief.
The V/H/S franchise has always been quite divisive, so if earlier entries haven’t managed to impress you, V/H/S/Beyond isn’t likely to either. The shorts are certainly unconventional, and they do occasionally play host to lacklustre effects and corny dialogue. However, fans of the franchise will undeniably be impressed with what’s on display here. Each segment is creative enough to feel unique yet accessible enough to provide palatable horror, it moves at a fast past, there are scares aplenty and the talent on display from our roster of directors is marvellous. It may have a segment that doesn’t quite fit with the overarching story, but it’s overall a blast with plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
Star Rating
V/H/S/Beyond releases on Shudder October 4
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