V/H/S Beyond- Fantastic Fest 2024
October 1st, 2024
MOVIE: V/H/S BEYOND
STARRING: PHILLIP ANDRE BOTELLO, ALANAH PEARCE, LIBBY LETLOW, MITCH HOROWITZ
DIRECTED BY: JAY CHEEL, JORDAN DOWNEY, CHRISTIAN LONG, JUSTIN LONG, JUSTIN MARTINEZ, VIRAT PAL, KATE SIEGEL
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 114 MINUTES
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to have a definitive stance on the V/H/S anthology series; you’re either fatigued by it or you can’t get enough. The seventh installment continues the tradition of uncovering mysterious footage on VHS tapes, delivering chilling tales of ghouls, ghosts, haunted houses, and mad science experiments. While some viewers may feel weary of the series, it undeniably serves as an excellent platform for emerging directors and talented actors to make their mark in the horror genre. V/H/S Beyond stands out as one of the better entries, blending elements of science fiction, body horror reminiscent of Human Centipede, and impressive makeup effects that can send shivers down your spine. This installment proves that some anthology series deserve to endure.
As with previous entries, Beyond features a wraparound segment that introduces the videos through a faux ghost-hunting show directed by Jay Cheel, complete with talking heads that set the tone before each new segment. The first story is Jordan Stewart’s “Stork,” a zombie-hunting action piece shot in a first-person video game style. It follows a group of police officers as they venture into a haunted mansion to rescue two kidnapped children from flesh-eating zombies. This segment delivers an intense experience akin to Hardcore Henry or REC, with delightfully grotesque zombie makeup.
Next is Virat Pal’s “Dream Girl,” a Bollywood-inspired segment featuring a song-and-dance routine. Here, a group of paparazzi follows movie star Tara (Namrata Sheth) into her trailer, only to discover that she is far from the wholesome image portrayed in the media. While it may not be the strongest entry, it exemplifies how the V/H/S films embrace a variety of horror styles, ensuring audiences remain creeped out.
The highlight of Beyond is Justin Martinez’s “Live and Let Dive,” which kicks off with a first-person POV during a skydiving adventure. A group of friends records an epic jump for a birthday celebration, but chaos ensues when a UFO suddenly appears. The landing only amplifies the terror, as special effects and creature design elevate what could have been a straightforward horror scenario into something truly engaging.
The final two segments dive deep into body horror. Justin Long and his brother Christian present “Fur Babies,” where animal rights activists inadvertently tangle with a sinister doggy daycare. This segment blends elements of Tusk and Barbarian, showcasing Justin’s growing passion for dark storytelling. Lastly, actress Kate Siegel makes her directorial debut with “Stowaway,” which follows a woman on a quest for extraterrestrials in the desert. What appears to be a straightforward narrative transforms into a mind-bending exploration of the unknown, showcasing Siegel’s impressive directorial skills alongside her acting talent.
Overall, V/H/S Beyond is one of the standout installments in the series. It doesn’t strive for groundbreaking innovation but prioritizes quality storytelling over quantity. While it may not reach a higher rating than three stars again, it remains impressive to see new faces and fresh frights just in time for the Halloween season. As long as the V/H/S installments keep coming, I’ll be there to see what horrors await on those tapes.
3 STARS
V/H/S BEYOND PREMIERED AT FANTASTIC FEST AND WILL BE ON SHUDDER FRIDAY OCTOBER 4TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
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