The found footage genre has always been challenging to deal with as a subgenre. Few films, despite the numerous attempts to use this technique, have successfully done the genre justice. Unlike many of its other subgenre counterparts, found footage requires a specific formula to succeed with its viewers.
Inventive works such asThe Blair Witch Project,Noroi,Rec,Lake Mungo,The Houses October Built,Creep, andThe WNUF Halloween Specialhave gone to great lengths to demonstrate creative depth for the genre over the years and, despite the challenges of the genre, have been successful in their own singular experiences. Bloody Disgusting and a handful of outstanding indie filmmakers would quickly take over the genre, demonstrating that there is a special place for both found footage and horror anthologies, and both thefound footage and anthology genres would be revivedas a result.
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Using found footage to document a group of misfits who decide to steal from a derelict house, the VHS tape they find is a convenient and clever wraparound to give five found footage horror experiences.V/H/Swould be born, creatively fixing found footage’s biggest problem while also reworking the dying method of the anthology, giving cinema a reason to use it again for the modern era.
Following in the footsteps of beloved cult classics such as British 1942 horror anthology films such asDead of Night, as well as more well-known edgy and compelling compilations such asTales From The CryptandCreepshow,V/H/Swould restore a new order to the horror genre and persuade directors that the anthology format would be one of the best things to happen to horror in recent years. Also,it would give many independent directors a chanceto show off their creative prowess. Because ofV/H/S, some of the brightest and top independent horror filmmakers of the present day have promoted shorts in this series.
AfterV/H/S, many of them would go on to become directors of major motion pictures, serving as the forerunners to the modern horror genre.
The same formula would continue with other installments in the franchise, proving that it not only worked but repeatedly showed that horror meshed well with the anthology format. Though by no means novel, notions like these were nothing short of genius in an era where a plethora of creative directors were vying for attention on major film projects. Although V/H/S as a franchise would undoubtedly have some releases that would perform far better than others, acting as a melting pot of ideas tied to a single theme throughout would continue to draw in viewers for each new installment.
WhileV/H/S1 and 2 met expectations,difficulties arose withV/H/S Viral, which many still see as the worst entry in the genre. Feeling unfinished and straying from the traditional norms of what made the series shine in the first place, Viral would receive many negative criticisms, forcing the producer of Bloody Disgusting to take a step back from the series. In 2021, the series would go through an overhaul and release its best installment in the franchise,V/H/S 94, going back to its authentic form, withV/H/S 99showing the series had matured and found its place in the horror genre.
V/H/S 94and 99 would give the series some continuity while also letting independent filmmakers spread their artistic wings. Adopting the year timeframe served nostalgic purposes well since it helped viewers relate to each filmmaker’s work more intimately. It showed that not only did each filmmaker do their research when it came to their piece, but this anthology was trying to do something more with its viewers this time around. Forming a more emotional connection with its viewers, this was elevated horror.
When looking at the framework of the currentV/H/Sinstallments, the horror anthology works on all levels for this franchise and continues to reinvigorate the anthology genre. While the year’s elements are designed to appeal to a particular theme, the imaginative storytelling and compelling terror elements are also meant to appeal to and draw in a wider audience. This one-two-punch strategy for the modern horror anthology gave the films an original aesthetic while also calling back to years long gone that even hardcore horror fans could look back on and enjoy.
What makesV/H/Sa cut above the rest is its abilityto embrace many different minds on the same theme and the ability of all these ideas to generate different conversations on that same subject. It allows viewers to simultaneously experience the nostalgia and joy of being a horror fan. While everyone will form their own opinions on theV/H/Sfranchise as a whole, that’s the beauty of it. It brings people together to allow that conversation to happen. The directors, monsters, segments, and themes will evolve with the times, but that is what makesV/H/Sso exciting and intriguing. It is the willingness of each creative mind to step up and challenge the minds that have come before it to expand and grow.
