V/H/S Beyond Review: Six horror short stories that maintain the essence of a legendary franchise

V/H/S/Beyond, the latest installment in the V/H/S horror anthology series, offers a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the franchise. This seventh entry showcases a collection of short films that delve into sci-fi horror, primarily focusing on alien encounters and abductions. The film is notable for its mix of thrilling segments and uneven pacing, making it a compelling watch for horror lovers. V/H/S Beyond can be seen from today, through the Shudder platform.

V/H/S Beyond has six amazing horror stories:

1.Abduction/Abduction

The short movie Abduction/Adduction serves as the framing narrative that connects the various stories within the film. Directed and written by Jay Cheel, this segment presents a mockumentary style that explores themes of alien abduction and found footage, setting the tone for the sci-fi horror elements that follow.

2-Stork

Directed by Jordan Downey, Stork kicks off the anthology with a gripping narrative centered around a police raid on a house linked to mysterious baby abductions. This intense pacing and effective practical effects, reminiscent of a first-person shooter video game. The creature design is particularly highlighted for its realism, contributing to the segment's chilling atmosphere.

3.Dream Girl

Virat Pal's Dream Girl presents a unique blend of Bollywood flair and horror, featuring two paparazzi who uncover dark secrets about a glamorous actress rumored to be a witch. This segment stands out for its vibrant cinematography and an engaging musical number, althought it falters with a predictable conclusion.

4.Live and Let Dive

Live and Let Live follows skydivers who encounter an alien craft mid-jump. While it begins with thrilling visuals and an exciting premise, some reviewers felt that the latter half lacked the same intensity, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience.

5.Fur Babies

Directed by Justin Long and his brother Christian, Fur Babies injects humor into the horror mix with its story about animal rights activists confronting a sinister dog daycare owner involved in grotesque practices. Fur Babies has clever writing and comedic elements, making it one of the more memorable segments.

6.Stowaway

Kate Siegel's directorial debut, Stowaway, concludes the anthology with a more contemplative tone as it explores existential themes through the eyes of an aspiring filmmaker who stumbles upon an alien spacecraft. This segment is noted for its atmospheric storytelling but criticized for its lack of resolution.

General overview

The anthology explores various aspects of horror—from gore to psychological tension—while maintaining a cohesive sci-fi theme.

The involvement of new directors brings fresh perspectives to the series, ensuring that V/H/S continues to evolve.

Many segments struggle with character depth due to their short format, which can detract from emotional engagement.

Certain plot twists felt predictable or formulaic compared to earlier entries in the series.

V/H/S/Beyond serves as an entertaining addition to the franchise, particularly for fans who appreciate found footage horror. While it may not redefine the genre or surpass its predecessors entirely, it successfully delivers thrills and creativity across its segments, making it worth a watch this Halloween season.

Science fiction

The sci-fi horror theme in V/H/S/Beyond has proven to be a significant evolution for the franchise, enhancing its storytelling and visual appeal. This seventh installment marks a departure from previous entries by focusing on alien encounters and otherworldly phenomena, creating a cohesive narrative thread that connects the various segments through a shared sci-fi lens.

The anthology format benefits from this thematic unity, allowing each segment to explore different aspects of science fiction while maintaining a horror backdrop. The inclusion of aliens and spacecraft allows for creative storytelling that diverges from traditional horror tropes, making it a standout entry in the franchise.

However, certain segments fall into predictable patterns typical of the franchise, which may detract from the overall impact . While the sci-fi theme offers new avenues for exploration, not all segments fully capitalize on this potential, leading to moments that feel familiar or formulaic.

Conclusion

V/H/S/Beyond effectively employs its sci-fi horror theme to create a compelling anthology that resonates with both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. By embracing innovation while honoring its roots, it sets a new standard for future entries in the series.