Horror anthologies, especially those centered around found footage, have long captured the imaginations of horror fans. Among the pioneers in this niche is the V/H/S franchise, which has returned with its seventh installment, V/H/S/Beyond (2024). This time, the series takes a bold step into the realm of science fiction, blending its traditional horror with extraterrestrial life and unsettling futuristic narratives. But how does this new venture fare compared to its predecessors? Let’s dive deep into the film’s plot, characters, visual style, and more to give you an in-depth look at V/H/S/Beyond.
Plot Overview: Six Tapes, One Intergalactic Nightmare
V/H/S/Beyond follows a familiar structure: six short films tied together by a central narrative. This time, the wraparound story, directed by Jay Cheel, takes the form of a pseudo-documentary, featuring interviews with UFO enthusiasts and skeptics. It introduces the discovery of mysterious VHS tapes that supposedly capture evidence of alien encounters. This thematic shift towards sci-fi gives the anthology a fresh perspective, but as the stories unfold, it becomes clear that despite the new concept, V/H/S/Beyond treads familiar ground.
The film begins with Stork, directed by Jordan Downey, where a swat team raids a building in search of abducted babies. Instead, they encounter terrifying zombie-like creatures and a monstrous, bird-like figure. This segment’s mix of bodycam footage and chaotic action recalls past V/H/S films, but with a surreal twist.
Other stories, such as Dream Girl, delve into Bollywood culture, following paparazzi sneaking onto a movie set and uncovering something otherworldly, while Live and Let Dive takes a group of skydivers on a harrowing encounter with UFOs during their jump. Despite their varied premises, each segment retains the franchise’s hallmark shaky-cam and frenetic pace.
Characterization: Fragments of Fear
Given the anthology format, character development often takes a backseat to atmosphere and action. Each short introduces its cast quickly, typically centered around a group of protagonists thrown into dire circumstances. In Stork, we see Officer Segura (Phillip Andre Botello) leading his team through the chaos, while in Dream Girl, paparazzo Sonu (Rohan Joshi) serves as our window into the eerie world of Bollywood superstardom.
A standout performance comes from Libby Letlow in Fur Babies, a delightfully grotesque segment where she plays Becky, the disturbingly chipper owner of a doggy daycare with dark secrets. Becky’s exaggerated personality adds a layer of dark humor that contrasts with the more serious tones in other segments. Another notable performance is from Alanah Pearce in Stowaway, who delivers a grounded portrayal in what is perhaps the most character-driven short of the film.
Visual and Cinematic Style: Shaky, Chaotic, and Disturbing
The V/H/S franchise has always thrived on the aesthetic of chaos, and V/H/S/Beyond is no exception. Each short adopts a found footage style, with handheld cameras, body cams, and surveillance footage, creating a disorienting effect that draws viewers into the action. While this technique heightens the sense of immersion, it can sometimes become overwhelming, especially in segments like Live and Let Dive, where the rapid camera movements and mid-air action may leave some viewers feeling dizzy.
Visually, V/H/S/Beyond pushes boundaries with its creature designs and special effects. From the grotesque, stork-like monster in Stork to the unsettling transformations in Fur Babies, the film showcases some truly horrifying and creative visual concepts. Despite the franchise’s roots in low-budget filmmaking, the digital effects have taken a noticeable step forward, particularly in sequences like the skydiving scene in Live and Let Dive, which is both visually stunning and nerve-wracking.
Themes and Messages: Sci-Fi Meets Existential Dread
While previous entries in the V/H/S series focused on earthly horrors, V/H/S/Beyond explores the fear of the unknown, specifically the idea of extraterrestrial life and otherworldly forces. The wraparound narrative, with its documentary-style exploration of alien abductions, sets the tone for the entire anthology, blending speculative fiction with traditional horror.
Each segment touches on different aspects of fear—whether it’s the primal fear of the unknown in Dream Girl, the terror of an uncontrollable situation in Stork, or the existential dread of being hunted by superior beings in Live and Let Dive. While some segments, like Fur Babies, lean more toward dark comedy, others maintain a grim tone that underscores the futility of human efforts against alien forces.
Direction and Execution: Familiar but Effective
The directors behind V/H/S/Beyond include notable horror filmmakers like Jordan Downey and Kate Siegel (making her directorial debut). Each director brings their unique vision to the table, yet they all adhere to the chaotic, first-person style that has come to define the V/H/S franchise.
While the sci-fi elements add a fresh twist, the execution often feels repetitive. Segments tend to follow a predictable formula: characters stumble upon something terrifying, chaos ensues, and the shaky camera obscures much of the horror. This formula, while effective in short bursts, can become tiring over the course of the film, especially for those familiar with the series. However, standout moments—like the creature designs and the creative use of the found footage format—help keep things engaging.
Comparing V/H/S/Beyond to Previous Installments
Compared to earlier entries like V/H/S/94 or V/H/S/99, V/H/S/Beyond doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel. The thematic shift to sci-fi is a welcome change, but the overall structure and style remain largely unchanged. In contrast to V/H/S/94, which embraced nostalgic VHS aesthetics, or V/H/S/99, which leaned heavily into 90s culture, V/H/S/Beyond feels more like a thematic evolution rather than a stylistic one.
Conclusion: A Middling but Enjoyable Entry in the Franchise
In the end, V/H/S/Beyond offers a mixed bag of short horror films that will satisfy fans of the series but may not convert newcomers. The shift toward sci-fi and extraterrestrial themes injects some freshness, but the overall formula remains the same. If you’re a fan of found footage horror and enjoy chaotic, creature-filled thrills, V/H/S/Beyond will likely be a fun ride. However, those looking for deeper innovation in the genre may find themselves wishing for more.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch V/H/S/Beyond?
Yes, V/H/S/Beyond is worth watching if you’re a fan of the franchise or enjoy anthology horror films. While it may not break new ground, it delivers enough scares and unsettling visuals to make it an entertaining watch. For horror enthusiasts seeking a blend of sci-fi and supernatural horror, it’s a solid entry in the ever-expanding V/H/S universe.
V/H/S/Beyond is now streaming on Shudder. If you’re looking for a heart-pounding anthology with a unique sci-fi twist, this one is for you! Check out the trailer on YouTube and get ready for a wild ride into the unknown.
