V/H/S: Viral (2014) Movie Review: A Mixed Bag of Found Footage Horrors
V/H/S: Viral, released in 2014, is the third installment in the V/H/S horror anthology series. Directed by a team of filmmakers including Nacho Vigalondo, Marcel Sarmiento, Gregg Bishop, Justin Benson, and Aaron Scott Moorhead, this entry aims to push the boundaries of the found footage genre with a series of interconnected horror shorts. While it offers some innovative and chilling moments, it struggles with coherence and consistency.
Plot Overview
V/H/S: Viral follows the anthology format, presenting multiple found footage segments connected by a wraparound story. The central narrative, “Vicious Circles,” follows a teenager named Kevin (Patrick Lawrie) who becomes obsessed with capturing viral videos. As he chases an ice cream truck broadcasting bizarre and horrific footage, his girlfriend is abducted, leading him into a nightmarish journey.
The segments include:
- “Dante the Great” – Directed by Gregg Bishop, this segment tells the story of a magician who gains real supernatural powers from a cloak but pays a dark price for it.
- “Parallel Monsters” – Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, this segment explores the consequences of a scientist opening a portal to a parallel dimension, where he meets his sinister doppelgänger.
- “Bonestorm” – Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Scott Moorhead, this segment follows a group of skateboarders who unwittingly summon demonic forces while filming their stunts at a Tijuana riverbed.
Performances
Given the found footage format, the performances are naturalistic, aiming for authenticity over theatricality. Patrick Lawrie anchors the wraparound story with a convincing portrayal of Kevin’s desperation and obsession. In “Dante the Great,” Justin Welborn delivers a charismatic yet unsettling performance as the titular magician. The ensemble cast in “Bonestorm,” comprising mainly unknown actors, effectively conveys the camaraderie and fear of the skateboarders.
Direction and Cinematography
The direction in V/H/S: Viral is a mixed bag, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of its various directors. Nacho Vigalondo’s “Parallel Monsters” stands out for its imaginative premise and effective tension-building. Gregg Bishop’s “Dante the Great” combines found footage with a mockumentary style, adding a fresh twist to the format. The cinematography varies across segments, with some using shaky handheld cameras to enhance the realism, while others incorporate more polished footage.
Script and Execution
The screenplay for V/H/S: Viral attempts to weave a cohesive narrative through its disparate segments but struggles with uneven execution. The individual stories are hit-or-miss, with some offering compelling horror and others falling flat. The wraparound story, “Vicious Circles,” lacks the coherence and impact needed to tie the segments together effectively. The dialogue in each segment is functional but often clichéd, which can detract from the overall immersion.
Themes and Symbolism
V/H/S: Viral explores themes of obsession, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the dark side of human curiosity. The recurring motif of viral videos reflects society’s fascination with sensationalism and the lengths people will go to capture and share shocking content. Each segment delves into different aspects of horror, from supernatural powers and parallel dimensions to demonic summoning, highlighting the diverse fears that can arise from our quest for knowledge and fame.
Critical Reception
V/H/S: Viral received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the film’s creativity and willingness to experiment with the found footage genre, while others criticized its lack of coherence and uneven quality across segments. The film’s ambition to push the boundaries of horror anthologies is commendable, but its execution often falls short of its potential.
Streaming Services and Availability
For those interested in watching V/H/S: Viral, the film is available for streaming on various platforms. In the United States, it can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and iTunes. These options provide easy access for viewers looking to experience this unique entry in the found footage horror genre.
Conclusion
V/H/S: Viral is a bold but uneven attempt to continue the V/H/S series’ exploration of found footage horror. While it offers moments of genuine innovation and terror, its inconsistent execution and disjointed narrative structure hinder its overall impact. Individual segments like “Parallel Monsters” and “Dante the Great” stand out as highlights, showcasing the potential for creativity within the anthology format.
For fans of the V/H/S series and found footage horror, V/H/S: Viral provides a mixed yet intriguing viewing experience. Its blend of supernatural, sci-fi, and demonic horror offers a variety of scares, even if the film as a whole struggles to maintain cohesion and intensity.
