V/H/S/Beyond: A Sci-Fi Horror Anthology That Delivers on the Promise of the Unknown
The V/H/S franchise has consistently delivered a potent blend of found-footage horror and anthology storytelling, and their latest installment, V/H/S/Beyond, doesn’t disappoint. While previous entries dabbled in various subgenres of horror, Beyond boldly focuses on sci-fi horror, offering a nightmarish tapestry of alien encounters, robotic terrors, and mad scientists. This isn’t just a jump-scare fest; it’s a thoughtfully crafted anthology that leverages the unique strengths of the found-footage format to explore unsettling themes and deliver genuinely unsettling sequences.
Expanding the Found-Footage Universe: Unlike previous entries, tightly bound to specific eras, V/H/S/Beyond liberates itself from chronological constraints. This freedom allows the anthology to incorporate a wider range of technological elements, transcending the limitations of grainy VHS tapes. While the classic shaky-cam aesthetic and the familiar grain of VHS footage remain, the filmmakers cleverly integrate modern technologies, including cell phones, home security systems, GoPros, YouTube videos, and even police body cams. This broadened technological landscape reflects the constantly evolving nature of recording and sharing experiences, enhancing the film’s realism and adding layers of verisimilitude to the narrative.
The Framing Narrative: A "Mysteries of the Unknown" Approach: Jay Cheel’s framing narrative, "Abduction/Adduction," acts as the connective tissue, skillfully weaving the disparate segments together. Presented in the style of a cryptic documentary, it mirrors the late-night internet rabbit holes many viewers will be familiar with. Talking heads, archival clips, and a central mystery revolving around aliens and mysterious videotapes establish an air of intrigue, successfully setting the stage for the unsettling tales to follow. This framing device is a masterstroke; it elevates the anthology beyond the simple sum of its parts, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking experience.
Diverse Tales of Sci-Fi Terror: The anthology structure allows for a wide array of stylistic and thematic explorations. Each segment offers a distinct flavor of sci-fi horror:
"Stork" (Jordan Downey): This segment follows a rookie cop on his first night on the job, thrusting him into a bizarre and terrifying encounter with his new unit. It expertly utilizes the police body cam footage to amplify the sense of claustrophobia and immediacy, creating a raw and unsettling viewing experience.
"Dream Girl" (Virat Pal): This segment stands out as the first V/H/S entry filmed in India. It follows a paparazzi crew stalking a Bollywood star, uncovering more than they bargained for. The unexpected inclusion of a full-blown Bollywood musical number, viewed through the lens of the paparazzi’s cameras, showcases the innovative and creative spirit of the franchise.
"Live and Let Dive" (Justin Martinez): Presented as footage from various sources, this segment is a masterclass in suspense and horror. Focusing on thrill-seeking skydivers, it expertly builds tension before unleashing a sequence of truly horrifying events. "Live and Let Dive more than makes good on its killer premise both in the air and on the ground." This segment perfectly encapsulates the core tenets of what makes this franchise so effective.
"Fur Babies" (Christian Long and Justin Long): This segment delves into the dark side of animal rights activism. It showcases a chillingly obsessive activist reminiscent of Annie Wilkes from Misery, building a disturbing atmosphere of paranoia and escalating horror. "Libby Letlow… whose pup-obsessed Becky has uncanny echoes of Annie Wilkes in Misery." This highlights the unexpectedly strong performances, a welcome addition to the typically action-driven segments.
- "Stowaway" (Kate Siegel, written by Mike Flanagan): This segment stands out for its psychological depth. Written by Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House, it focuses on a troubled woman attempting to create her own UFO documentary, leading to a descent into increasingly disturbing realities. Alanah Pearce delivers a standout performance as the awkward filmmaker, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
The Power of the V/H/S Formula: One of the enduring appeals of the V/H/S series is its commitment to showing only the most thrilling and terrifying moments. There’s minimal exposition, plunging viewers directly into the heart of the horror. This formula is brilliantly executed in "Live and Let Dive," creating a visceral and impactful experience. This minimal approach maximizes impact; we know something awful is going to happen; this is V/H/S, after all, and the film delivers on this expectation consistently.
Beyond the Gore: Strong Performances and Thoughtful Themes: While the V/H/S series is renowned for its copious gore and special effects, V/H/S/Beyond introduces a surprising level of acting nuance. The performances in "Fur Babies" and "Stowaway" provide emotional depth, adding layers to the narrative beyond the typical running and screaming associated with the genre. This is a welcome departure, enriching the viewing experience and demonstrating the franchise’s commitment to evolving its storytelling techniques.
A Solid Entry in a Stellar Franchise: While V/H/S/Beyond may not surpass the excellence of V/H/S/85 or V/H/S/2, it remains a solid and creative addition to the franchise. It successfully balances the series’ signature gore-filled thrills with thoughtful storytelling and an exploration of the evolving technologies involved in recording and distributing media. The shift of focus towards sci-fi horror is a refreshing element, ensuring the series maintains its originality and keeps the audience guessing. The innovative approach to the found-footage format, combined with the diversity of the segments, creates a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic journey.
Ultimately, V/H/S/Beyond delivers on the core promise of the franchise: grimy, gruesome, and creatively inventive horror, while simultaneously showcasing the potential for growth and maturation of the iconic V/H/S concept. It leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this consistently inventive and unsettling horror series.
