V/H/S/Halloween: A Mixed Bag of Horror Shorts

As I dive into the latest installment of the V/H/S anthology series, it’s clear that this eighth edition is a curious blend of brilliance and mediocrity. The film, primarily composed of Halloween-themed shorts, struggles with its identity as a “found footage” collection. Honestly, at this point, the novelty of found footage has faded significantly. It may be time for the series to move away from this gimmick and embrace a more straightforward approach to horror anthologies.

Highlights of the Anthology

Among the standout segments, one that truly captivated me is “Fun Size.” Directed by Casper Kelly, known for his viral sensation “Too Many Cooks,” this chapter is a grotesque delight. It features a group of young adults who inadvertently enter a bizarre realm filled with a villain reminiscent of a twisted Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. This segment is a testament to Kelly’s unique ability to blend humor with horror, making it a memorable experience.

A Deeper Dive into the Darkness

On the other end of the spectrum is “Kidprint,” directed by Alex Ross Perry. This segment presents a more subtle, terrifying villain who remains hidden in plain sight, contrasting sharply with the over-the-top horror icons like Pennywise or Freddy Krueger. It’s a chilling reminder that sometimes the most frightening threats are those that blend seamlessly into our everyday lives.

Room for Improvement

Despite the engaging moments, not every segment hits the mark. The anthology spans nearly two hours, and a bit of careful editing could have enhanced the overall pace without sacrificing the content. Here are a few observations:

• The runtime could be trimmed for a more thrilling experience.
• Even the less effective chapters bring something unique to the table.

Wrapping It Up with Humor

In keeping with tradition, the anthology features a wrap-around segment titled “Diet Phantasma.” Conceived by director Bryan M Ferguson, this part of the film is arguably the funniest. It combines elements of absurdity and charm, following a group of unethical scientists as they experiment with a haunted soda recipe. This segment is a delightful interlude that lightens the overall tone of the film.

For a more detailed exploration of this film, I encourage you to read the original news article here.