"V/H/S Beyond" takes the long-running anthology franchise into uncharted territory, focusing on the chilling possibilities of science fiction rather than relying on supernatural horror. While not all segments hit the mark, the shift in tone offers a refreshing take, with a couple of standout episodes that elevate the overall experience.
This seventh installment presents six distinct stories, each delving into a different aspect of science fiction horror. From mysterious entities lurking in an old mansion to a skydiving adventure gone awry, the anthology spans across various settings, including a paparazzi’s nightmarish journey through Mumbai and a out-of-this-world experience in the Mojave Desert and beyond.
The strength of "V/H/S Beyond" lies in its strict adherence to the sci-fi genre, steering clear of traditional supernatural tropes. The anthology succeeds when it leans into its more grounded narratives, with "Live and Let Dive" and "Stowaway" emerging as the strongest of the bunch. "Live and Let Dive" stands out for its visceral intensity and reality, offering the most gruesome and unsettling moment in the film, while "Stowaway" impresses with its thought-provoking exploration of space travel’s limitations and how we can eventually overcome it and its unsettling conclusion for its lead character.
That said, not all the stories reach their full potential. While "Fur Babies" and "Dream Girl" offer some excitement and exhilarating moments, they ultimately lack the narrative depth needed to make a lasting impact. Meanwhile, "Stork" (the most action-packed episode)) and the framing narrative, "Abduction/Adduction", feel underdeveloped and forgettable, failing to capitalize on their intriguing premises.Visually, the film maintains the franchise's trademark found-footage aesthetic, with certain episodes, like "Live and Let Dive", effectively using the format to heighten tension.
In the end, "V/H/S Beyond" may not be groundbreaking, but its commitment to science fiction horror provides a welcome change of pace for the series. Though uneven in its execution, the anthology offers enough inventive thrills to satisfy fans of the genre, particularly those who appreciate a more cerebral approach to horror.
V/H/S Beyond: Beyond Supernatural
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