Horror Series Evolves With Sci-Fi Infusion

Read Time:4 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
V/H/S/Beyond
–

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 54m
Director(s): Jay Cheel, Jordan Downey, Christian Long, Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel
Writer(s): Evan Dickson, Jordan Downey, Mike Flanagan, Christian Long, Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kevin Stewart, Benjamin A. Turner, Oleg Vdovenko
Cast: Brian Baker, Trevor Dow, Gerry Eng, Sam Gorski, Mitch Horowitz, Niko Pueringer, Wren Weichman, Thom Hallum, James C. Burns, Jolene Andersen, Tyler Andrews, Vas Provatakis
Where To Watch: arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital February 10, 2025; order here: www.amazon.com or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: The V/H/S franchise has long been a playground for horror enthusiasts, delivering a mix of found footage and anthology storytelling. In its latest installment, V/H/S/BEYOND, the series ventures (deeper) into science fiction, intertwining extraterrestrial themes with its signature horror elements. This fusion offers a fresh perspective, though it comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs.

The film's is anchored by "Abduction/Adduction," directed by Jay Cheel. This mockumentary-style narrative features interviews with various individuals, including believers and skeptics, who examine alleged extraterrestrial encounters found on old VHS recordings. This framework provides a cohesive thread, grounding the subsequent tales in a semblance of reality.

The anthology evolves with "Stork," directed by Jordan Downey. This segment, presented through the lens of police body cameras, follows officers on a mission to locate missing infants. Their search leads them to a dilapidated residence teeming with unsettling entities and ominous noises. The immersive perspective draws viewers into a suspenseful environment, though the constant intensity might be overwhelming for some.

Next up is "Dream Girl," under the direction of Virat Pal. This story shifts to the cinema's setting, following two documentarians as they observe a prominent Bollywood actress. The story integrates musical drama with horror elements, incorporating cultural aspects like a choreographed dance number. While the unique blend adds a distinct touch, the sudden shifts and abstract storyline may perplex certain viewers.

"Live and Let Dive," directed by Justin Martinez, provides an adrenaline-fueled experience. A group of friends embarks on a skydiving trip, only to face an unidentified aerial phenomenon during their descent. The ensuing turmoil, captured through helmet cameras, offers a thrill. The segment effectively conveys a sense of panic and mystery, though the swift pace may come at the expense of character depth.

Following this is "Fur Babies," a joint effort by Christian and Justin Long. The plot centers on activists probing into a pet care establishment suspected of unethical practices. As they investigate, they uncover disturbing realities that challenge their beliefs. The tale's examination of trust and betrayal is engaging, though its link to the overarching alien theme appears weak at best.

The anthology concludes with "Stowaway," directed by Kate Siegel and written by Mike Flanagan. This segment takes a more reflective approach, following a lone filmmaker exploring a desert area, searching for signs of alien life. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on creating an atmospheric mood rather than action. This contemplative style offers a thoughtful look at humanity's place in the universe, starkly contrasting the earlier segments.

Collectively, V/H/S/BEYOND aims to expand the franchise's horizons by incorporating science fiction into its core take. While not every story achieves a perfect fusion, the anthology's ambition and readiness to explore new directions are noteworthy. For longtime fans and newcomers, this installment presents a variety of tales that provoke thought and entertain in equal measure.

V/H/S/BEYOND offers a compelling mix of horror and science fiction, providing a fresh perspective within the franchise's established framework. Its ambitious storytelling and willingness to take risks make it a noteworthy addition to the series, promising an exciting future for the V/H/S anthology.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.