V/H/S/Beyond (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The V/H/S franchise has carved out a unique niche in the horror genre with its found-footage anthology style, where short horror stories are bound together by a common theme. The seventh installment, V/H/S/Beyond (2024), breaks from its usual formula by exploring sci-fi horror with a terrifying blend of extraterrestrial life and supernatural occurrences. Directed by a group of horror maestros including Jay Cheel, Jordan Downey, and Christian Long, this movie pushes the boundaries of fear by delving into alien abductions, government cover-ups, and supernatural creatures.
Synopsis and Key Themes
V/H/S/Beyond is a collection of five short films, each contributing to a larger narrative centered around the existence of extraterrestrial life. It opens with a documentary-style segment, featuring real-life UFO enthusiasts and skeptics, setting the tone for the rest of the movie. The use of found-footage style, shaky cam, and chaotic action scenes creates an intense atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
In contrast to previous installments, which focused on Earth-bound creatures and slashers, V/H/S/Beyond takes a bold leap into the sci-fi realm. Themes of alien abductions, body horror, and extraterrestrial experiments dominate the film, with each segment offering a distinct flavor of horror. The most significant change in this installment is the absence of year-specific branding, which gives the creators more creative freedom to explore new ideas and horror tropes.
Segment Highlights
- “Stork”
The first segment, “Stork,” directed by Jordan Downey, sets the pace for the film with its fast-moving, zombie-like creatures and monstrous aliens. Set in an abandoned building, a SWAT team searches for missing babies, only to encounter horrifying monsters, including a giant Stork-like creature. The segment is reminiscent of classic creature features, delivering high-octane action and visual terror. - “Dream Girl”
Directed by Virat Pal, “Dream Girl” introduces the first Bollywood horror segment in the V/H/S series. The story follows two paparazzi trying to get close to a famous Bollywood actress, only to discover a supernatural secret that leads to their doom. This segment blends traditional horror elements with a critique of celebrity obsession, making it one of the more thought-provoking stories. - “Live and Let Dive”
Directed by Justin Martinez, “Live and Let Dive” is one of the most visually impressive segments, combining skydiving with an alien invasion. The segment delivers a heart-pounding sequence of events as the characters plummet from the sky, dodging alien creatures and government forces. The shaky camera work adds to the tension, although it can become disorienting at times. - “Fur Babies”
In a more comedic turn, Justin Long directs “Fur Babies,” a quirky horror story about a dog daycare facility with a dark secret. While this segment doesn’t offer the same intensity as others, it stands out for its oddball humor and bizarre characterizations. It’s a refreshing break from the more serious tones of the other stories, though not as well-executed in terms of horror. - “Stowaway”
The final segment, “Stowaway,” written by Mike Flanagan and directed by Kate Siegel, is a standout. It explores the story of a woman investigating strange lights in the desert, only to find herself aboard an alien spacecraft. The tension builds slowly, and the segment benefits from strong performances and a minimalist approach to horror. It’s less reliant on jump scares and more focused on psychological terror, making it a fitting conclusion to the anthology.
Streaming and Availability
As of October 4, 2024, V/H/S/Beyond is available to stream exclusively on Shudder, a platform known for its extensive library of horror films. Shudder has become the go-to destination for genre enthusiasts, and V/H/S/Beyond fits perfectly within its catalog of spine-chilling content. For those without a Shudder subscription, the movie is also available for rental or purchase through platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube Movies
These services provide multiple options for watching the film, whether you prefer to rent it for a one-time viewing or purchase it to rewatch at your leisure. However, given Shudder’s deep collection of horror, subscribing to the service is highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Overall Review: A Middling Addition to the Franchise
While V/H/S/Beyond is certainly an enjoyable watch for fans of the series, it does fall into some familiar traps. The found-footage format, while effective at creating tension, can become tiresome as the same tropes of shaky cam and chaotic action are repeated across the segments. The sci-fi twist adds a fresh layer of intrigue, but many of the stories feel predictable and lack the innovation that made the earlier entries in the series so impactful.
The standout segments—“Stork” and “Stowaway”—are worth watching for their inventive approaches to the alien horror genre, while other segments like “Fur Babies” offer a lighter, more comedic touch. However, the uneven execution and redundant themes leave V/H/S/Beyond feeling like a middle-of-the-road entry in the franchise.
Where It Stands in the V/H/S Universe
Since its debut in 2012, the V/H/S franchise has been both a launching pad for up-and-coming filmmakers and a reliable source of horror anthologies. V/H/S/Beyond continues that tradition, introducing new talents and pushing the boundaries of the genre. However, it’s clear that the franchise needs to innovate further to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded horror market. The shaky camera and alien-monster formula may have run its course, and future installments would benefit from exploring new storytelling techniques or subgenres.
Final Thoughts
V/H/S/Beyond is a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the franchise. Fans of found footage and sci-fi horror will find plenty to enjoy, especially with segments like “Stork” and “Stowaway.” However, for viewers seeking something more innovative, this movie may not completely satisfy. The reliance on predictable horror tropes and shaky cam diminishes some of the impact, but the film still delivers enough thrills to make it worth a watch.
