While i V/H/S series has explored sci-fi horror in the past, the seventh entry—this week V/H/S/Beyond-puts a special focus on the genre, removing a sinister series of close encounters, scary robots, and mad scientists. There are a few big names behind the segments this time (Justin Long, Kate Siegel, Mike Flanagan), but the moments that stand out—you know, the ones that make you gasp, scream, or feel like you’re going to push are scattered evenly throughout.
Not being tied to a specific year means Over there it doesn’t have to be strict about its level of expertise; there’s still shaky VHS and grainy VHS, but we’re also getting some digital advances: cell phones, security doorbells, GoPro, YouTube videos, police squad cameras, and the like. The frame story, Jay Cheel’s “Abduction/Induction,” is designed like a “mystery of the unknown” doc you might find while scrolling late at night, complete with talking heads and archived clips centered around a central mystery involving aliens and (of course) mysterious videotapes.
Other segments include Jordan Downey’s “The Stork,” about a police officer who has a strange first night with his new unit; Virat Pal’s “Dream Girl,” which follows a paparazzi team as they uncover more than expected while stalking Bollywood’s hottest new star; “Live and Let Dive” by Justin Martinez, a cautionary tale for would-be skydivers; “Fur Babies” by Christian Long and Justin Long, about animal rights activists who decide to evict the owner of a dog kennel; and Kate Siegel’s “Stowaway,” written by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House)about a concerned woman hoping to DIY her own UFO doc.
One of the endless delights of V/H/S series—besides its great love of blood and spectacular special effects—its pride is that we’re watching the funniest parts of any available tape next in line. There isn’t much time for context or exposition; after a quick dose of skepticism (we know something evil will happen; this V/H/Safter all), all hell breaks loose. Rarely is this set-up used more effectively than it is on “Live and Let Dive,” which more than makes good use of your deadly space in the air and on the ground. “Dream Girl” is also an interesting introduction; it is not only the first V/H/S part made in India, it contains a full-fledged Bollywood musical number, seen from the point of view of the crash photographers.
That’s rare V/H/S films are nominated for their performances—most of the actors are usually of the running and screaming variety—but Over there has a few celebrities, including Alanah Pearce as a troubled filmmaker in “Stowaway,” and especially Libby Letlow in “Fur Babies,” whose puppy-obsessed Becky echoes Annie Wilkes in Sadness.
If general V/H/S/Beyond it’s not the franchise’s best—from last year V/H/S/85 it’s still my top choice, though V/H/S/2 a close second—a solid entry overall, and proof yet again that there’s still a shocking amount of creative energy to be mined from gore and horror video clips. Bring on the next!
V/H/S/Beyond hits Shudder October 4.
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