"Stowaway" segment from "V/H/S/Beyond" (Shudder)
Last year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Josh Goldbloom on the red carpet before the screening of V/H/S/85. At the time, the franchise was at a pivotal point, in my opinion, as fans were eagerly anticipating what was next. We joked about whether they might move on to a D/V/D series or even take a stab at Hi-8. Josh teased that much more was coming and hinted that a theme might be in store for the next entry. Well, that entry is here, and it’s "V/H/S/Beyond", an appropriately titled film for what may be the most unique experience in the franchise so far.
This installment features six segments from a mix of new filmmakers, all looking to push the envelope in a franchise known for testing the limits of found footage. While films like "Cannibal Holocaust" and "The Blair Witch Project" are regarded as the grandfathers of the genre, "V/H/S" is its highly successful, business-savvy successor, always striving to improve the series. With "V/H/S/Beyond", they have certainly succeeded.
The overarching segment in V/H/S/Beyond is "The Wrap," directed by Jay Cheel. He mentioned during our red carpet interview that he received a video file claiming to be proof of alien existence. As is typical for the franchise, after each segment, we get interviews with filmmakers, discussing what it takes to debunk or prove a video’s authenticity. This segment follows a Chinese family living in Canada, blending documentary style with a case file narrative. It’s one of the most unexpected directions the franchise has taken, but it’s executed at such a pristine level that it sets up the other segments beautifully. Rating: 4/5
Next is "Stork" by Jordan Downey, one of our favorite new filmmakers. One noticeable shift in V/H/S/Beyond is the use of modern technology like body cams and GoPros, allowing the "beyond" theme to go beyond the classic VHS format. In "Stork," this works perfectly, as it feels like a love letter to first-person shooters, following a team of cops who moonlight as monster hunters. The segment is action-packed, fun, bloody, and filled with laughs. Once you move past the non-VHS aspect, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy. Rating: 5/5
Virat Pal's "Dream Girl" is up next. Fans of Mumbai cinema will find much to love here. The story follows two paparazzi navigating the gritty streets of Mumbai in pursuit of the country’s biggest pop star. When they finally get a lead on her, they enter a nightmare no one could have predicted. With nods to Carrie and Indian action-horror films, the segment delivers a fast-paced experience reminiscent of the franchise’s earlier entries, despite not adhering to the traditional VHS aesthetic. Rating: 4/5
"Fur Babies" by Christian and Justin Long will likely be the most polarizing segment. But despite some potential negatives, it nails the classic V/H/S feel. It imagines what might happen if Elmyra from Tiny Toons was unleashed on the world, and, unsurprisingly, the results are chaotic. Given Justin Long’s involvement, it’s easy to see why the idea is wild and over-the-top. While it veers from the sci-fi aspects of the other segments, it still fits within the V/H/S universe. Rating: 4/5
Justin Martinez delivers "Live and Let Dive," which, following its World Premiere, was hailed by many as the best segment. It centers on a group of skydivers, and what begins as a typical jump quickly turns into the franchise’s most action-packed sequence to date. The creative execution of these intense scenes makes viewers feel like they’re falling from the sky themselves. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride and one of the film’s strongest offerings. Rating: 5/5
Finally, Kate Siegel’s "Stowaway" is the most "authentic" entry in the film. The story of a strong, independent lead venturing into the unknown taps into the isolation and mysticism that fans expect from the series. Though some scenes are visually intense and difficult to follow, the segment’s intelligence shines through. Kate’s talent as a filmmaker is evident, and her goal to create fierce, feminist-driven stories comes through strongly. Rating: 4.5/5
V/H/S/Beyond is back with a fresh look, giving fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for. Taking the risk to move the series beyond its established format has paid off.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Directors: Jordan Downey, Christian Long & Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel, and Jay Cheel
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