Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 2012 - 2024
Watched 9/13/2024 - 10-26-2024
Reviewed 11-11-2024
Watched on Various Platforms
"He was beyond insane. He was evil. This lake ran red with their blood, and I came back..."
The V/H/S film franchise, a collection of found-footage horror anthologies, has carved a niche in the horror genre with its unique style and visceral approach to storytelling. Comprised of several entries (V/H/S, V/H/S/2, V/H/S: Viral, V/H/S/94, V/H/S/99, and the latest installment, V/H/S/85), the franchise continues to experiment with different short stories, horror themes, and creative storytelling techniques. While the quality and impact of each film vary, the franchise as a whole has become something of a cult sensation, with each entry bringing something fresh yet often inconsistent to the table.
The V/H/S Franchise Concept
At its core, V/H/S leverages the “found footage” aesthetic, combining it with the anthology format to tell a series of horrific tales within each film. The framing device—a collection of tapes discovered in various unsettling locations—provides a setup that allows each short story to exist independently while contributing to the larger horror atmosphere. This concept is particularly effective in delivering quick, punchy scares without having to maintain a complex, overarching plot. However, this strength can also be a weakness; the brevity of each story means some ideas feel underdeveloped, and the uneven quality across different shorts sometimes detracts from the overall experience.
Highlights of the Franchise
Each V/H/S film has its standout moments and memorable stories that horror fans appreciate for their creativity and boldness. For instance, V/H/S (2012), the original entry in the series, introduced audiences to “Amateur Night,” a short about a group of friends whose night out goes horrifyingly wrong when they encounter a sinister creature. This story is still remembered for its shocking climax and practical effects, setting the tone for the entire franchise. V/H/S/2 (2013) included the standout segment “Safe Haven,” directed by Gareth Evans and Timo Tjahjanto, which follows a documentary crew infiltrating a cult and spiraling into terrifying chaos. Known for its intense pacing and disturbing visuals, “Safe Haven” has been widely praised and remains one of the franchise’s high points.
The later entries, however, struggle to recapture the same level of intensity. V/H/S: Viral (2014) is often criticized as the franchise’s weakest film, as it moves away from the gritty, realistic feel that defined its predecessors. In contrast, V/H/S/94 (2021) returns to the roots of the series with grainy, ‘90s-style visuals and a darker atmosphere. Segments like “The Subject,” directed by Tjahjanto, and “Terror,” by Ryan Prows, add fresh takes on body horror and political themes, respectively, revitalizing the series with a blend of classic scares and modern relevance. The latest films, V/H/S/99, V/H/S/85, V/H/S Beyond bring even more variety in style and storytelling, although they don’t always hit the mark.
A Mixed Bag of Horror
One of the franchise’s defining characteristics is its inconsistency. Each V/H/S movie includes several stories from different directors, allowing a diverse range of voices and styles, which can be exciting but also jarring. Some shorts dive deep into psychological horror and atmosphere, while others go for grotesque visuals and shock value. While this variety is interesting, it creates a hit-or-miss experience, with some shorts feeling amateurish or predictable. This inconsistency is most evident in V/H/S: Viral, where segments like “Dante the Great” and “Parallel Monsters” lack the cohesion and raw horror that fans expect from the franchise, ultimately diluting the film’s impact.
Additionally, the found-footage style, which initially felt fresh and immersive, becomes repetitive over time. As each story relies heavily on shaky cameras, glitch effects, and night vision, the novelty of this style begins to wear thin, especially in later films where it feels forced. The choice to stay within this format limits the franchise’s ability to evolve, and as the market for found-footage horror becomes more saturated, V/H/S risks becoming just another series in a sea of similar films.
Effective Moments vs. Missed Opportunities
While the V/H/S franchise has memorable moments and stories that resonate with horror fans, it also has its share of missed opportunities. The anthology format allows for a lot of experimentation, which has resulted in some truly innovative and terrifying segments, but it also means there’s less room for character development and story arcs. Viewers are often left with only a glimpse into potentially compelling worlds, with many stories ending abruptly. This can be frustrating, as some segments, such as “Storm Drain” from V/H/S/94, hint at larger narratives that could be expanded but are left unexplored.
Moreover, the heavy reliance on gore and violence in some segments detracts from the psychological horror that could make these stories more impactful. While gore has a place in horror, it sometimes feels overused in V/H/S, making certain segments feel cheap rather than chilling. The franchise shines when it leans into suspense and atmospheric horror, but the over-reliance on shock value can make it feel shallow.
The Audience Experience
The V/H/S franchise is not for everyone. Its chaotic, fragmented storytelling and gritty visuals may turn off casual viewers looking for a polished horror experience. However, for horror enthusiasts who appreciate the found-footage genre and the unpredictability of anthology storytelling, the franchise offers a unique experience. Each film invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of terror, knowing that anything can happen. For those who enjoy the thrill of short-form horror, V/H/S is worth the watch, even if it’s a mixed bag.
Casual fans, however, may find it harder to connect with the characters or become invested in the stories, as the rapid pace and constant shifts between narratives leave little time for emotional engagement. The franchise caters to an audience willing to embrace the experimental, grungy side of horror, but it may not appeal to those looking for a more cohesive or traditional horror experience.
Final Thoughts
The V/H/S franchise, with its gritty found-footage style and anthology format, has established itself as a unique horror series that challenges traditional horror storytelling. While it’s not without its flaws—ranging from uneven story quality to overused shock tactics—it remains a notable part of the horror genre, providing horror fans with a collection of memorable scares and creative ideas. At 3 stars, the franchise stands as a solid, if inconsistent, addition to the world of horror cinema.
For true fans of the genre, the V/H/S franchise is worth exploring, especially for its high points in the earlier films. However, its rough edges, experimental style, and inconsistency make it best suited for viewers who appreciate a raw, unfiltered horror experience. Casual horror fans may find more enjoyment picking and choosing specific segments rather than diving into the entire series, but for those willing to embrace the ride, V/H/S offers a memorable and chaotic journey into the heart of terror.
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