V/H/S Beyond changes everything. Because there hasn’t been a truly outstanding V/H/S movie since the early installments. Each team of filmmakers injects fresh perspectives into this science fiction gem. The stories are expertly woven into outer space themes. I watched this one specifically for Justin Long—he and his brother collaborated on it, and their effort truly delivered.
Others may look at the directorial and writer teams and fan girl or fanboy all the way home.
Abduction/Adduction (Wraparound Story)
The wraparound story, for V/H/S Beyond, titled “Abduction/Adduction,” begins with a discovery at a flea market. It is a VHS tape that unequivocally contains evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Host Jay Cheel receives a mysterious anonymous email about the tape. He is also the recipient of a digital version.
He and expert Mitch Horowitz feel compelled to embark on an investigation by watching the tapes and deciding whether they are real or not.
Throughout the film, interludes appear with labels ranging from “Proof 1” to “Proof 6.” Horowitz clearly explains where the first instances towards thinking we are not alone. The existence of “grey form” aliens is examined.
This wraparound story connects the segments while questioning whether the tapes are genuine or merely an ingenious hoax.
Table of Contents
Stork
Directed by Jordan Downey Written by Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart
Babies are vanishing, and the W.A.R.D.E.N unit is on the case, determined to uncover the truth. The sinister creatures known as Brooders possess gaping holes in their heads, void of brains, suggesting they are mere machines.
A father of a missing baby, ET, bolts into the chaos. He is drawn by the distant sound of crying infants. The camera’s audio captures his agonizing screams as his team tries to figure out how to get to him.
The atmosphere is thick with darkness and chaos, exuding a video game-like intensity from a first-person perspective. The climax reveals that WARDEN keeps the fate of the missing babies tightly under wraps.
If you witnessed the actions of the storks, you would certainly prefer to remain in the dark too.
“There is no reward for going home or for leaving with leftover ammo.”
Dream Girl
Directed by Virat Pal Written by Virat Pal and Evan Dickson
Set against a dazzling Bollywood backdrop, “Dream Girl” showcases the young and stunning starlet Tara. Every move she makes is closely monitored by the eager paparazzi. They chase exclusive footage.
Tara is far more intriguing than she appears, and her manager is equally shady.
This segment brilliantly satirizes the flaws and missteps of Hollywood. It features high-intensity gore transformations, lazers and crashing buildings.
An android strives to achieve the ultimate human persona. It’s a violent, spectacle that merges the epic nature of a Star Wars saga with vibrant Bollywood sensibilities. It works a treat.
Live and Let Die
A birthday party in a plane goes awry as an alien craft appears, leading to chaos in the sky.
Fighter jets attack the alien craft, dislodging their plane and forcing the occupants into freefall.
Aliens attack the passengers, leaving some fates unknown and an ending on a cliffhanger. The cinematography was the highlight for this episode. Brilliantly shot to capture the helplessness of a situation like this.
Fur Babies
Directed by Justin Long and Christian Long. V/H/S Beyond 2024
Justin Long steps into the director’s chair for this quirky segment set in a doggy daycare. It fits perfectly with the expectations of fans familiar with Long’s previous work, like Tusk.
This episode unfolds at Doggy Dream Daycare. The daycare comes under scrutiny with whispers of missing animals. Becky is known for transforming her beloved furry pets into permanent friend-stuffed versions of their former selves.
Two animal rights activists want to uncover the truth. So, they deploy themselves as spies with their own dog, Pickles. However, Becky’s keen instincts quickly unravel their scheme.
She retrieves her brother Bo before sequestering both intruders in the basement, where her shocking secret is unveiled.
I don’t want to ruin this one but it’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.
Stowaway
Directed by Kate Siegel and Written by Mike Flanagan
Set in the Mojave Desert, Halley embarks on a solo mission to uncover undeniable evidence of alien life.
She conducts interviews that reflect themes of “Phoenix Forgotten.” The atmosphere is also very similar. Stowaway feels like the sequel to Phoenix Forgotten.
Halley’s interviews explore the possibilities of what could have occurred if the camera had never stopped rolling.
People who live close to where the stories come from talk about lights in the sky. It isn’t long before Halley finds the truth for herself.
Within a UFO, Halley faces the formidable power of alien technology. This encounter leads to a surprising body horror twist.
Abduction/Adduction (Epilogue)
The footage is then shown to Horowitz, Corridor, and Brian Baker of The Superstitious Times. They react to the footage in gruesome detail. Ultimately, they announce that they can’t really say whether any of it is real.
V/H/S Beyond Review Final Thoughts
V/H/S Beyond is an excellent addition to the V/H/S series. Each segment delivers a unique and fun experience, featuring standout performances, particularly from Justin Long, that truly elevate the look and feel of this installment.
V/H’S Beyond Trailer
Looking for another anthology movie? Watch any of these titles next: Fresh Hell Anthology – Dead Teenagers | Realm of Shadows (Tony Todd) Slasher TV | Creepshow TV Series Halloween Special | Tales of Frankenstein (Indie Anthologies)
This Facebook group has some behind the scenes footage of V\H\S Beyond via this link.
V/H/S Beyond is rated
4 Long Pickles out of 5
V/H/S Beyond
Director: Jordan Downey ("Stork") Christian Long ("Fur Babies") Justin Long ("Fur Babies") Justin Martinez ("Live and Let Dive") Virat Pal ("Dream Girl") Kate Siegel ("Stowaway") Jay Cheel ("Abduction/Adduction")
Date Created: 2024-09-20 13:11
4
