In the evolving tapestry of horror anthologies, “V/H/S/94” feels like a seasoned explorer returning from the wilderness with tales of terror that are as fresh as they are frightening. After a detour into the less beloved territories of “V/H/S Viral,” this installment strides back into the shadowy embrace of its roots, bringing with it stories that revel in the macabre, the mysterious, and the downright maniacal. It’s as if the series, now wiser and slightly more deranged, decided to dive headfirst into the abyss and emerged clutching the essence of pure, unadulterated horror.
“Storm Drain” plunges viewers into the dank, claustrophobic confines of urban legends, whispering the name “Raatma” with a reverence reserved for entities that shouldn’t be disturbed. This segment captures a perfect blend of curiosity and dread, leading us down the slippery slopes of investigative horror until we’re too entangled to escape. It’s a tale that thrives on the raw, unsettling atmosphere of its setting, turning a simple urban exploration into a descent into madness. “Hail Raatma,” indeed, for it reminds us that some stories are buried for a reason.
Then, with the quiet dread of “The Empty Wake,” the anthology crafts an ode to isolation horror that’s as chilling as the cold breath of the unseen. Set against the backdrop of a wake that’s anything but restful, this segment masterfully uses the anticipation of horror as its most effective tool. The tension is not in the reveal, but in the waiting, the watching, and the unsettling realization that we are not alone in our vigil. It’s a piece that whispers rather than shouts, proving that sometimes, the subtlest horrors are the most haunting.
“The Subject” is a frenetic symphony of technological terror and ethical nightmares, a segment where the mad scientist trope is given a fresh, blood-soaked lease on life. It’s mayhem encapsulated in digital flesh and metal, a narrative that blurs the lines between creator and creation, between human and monster. This part of “V/H/S/94” revels in its chaos, delighting in the destruction of boundaries both moral and physical. It’s a segment that dances on the edge of the abyss, laughing maniacally all the while. It’s as if the segment itself is an experiment in how much madness can be packed into a short story, and the result is explosively entertaining.
“Terror” closes the anthology with a story that’s as politically charged as it is petrifying. It’s a narrative that takes the concept of domestic terrorism and infuses it with a supernatural twist, creating a cocktail of horror that’s both topical and timeless. The segment weaves together the threads of fear, fanaticism, and the unforeseen consequences of playing god with forces beyond human comprehension. It’s a cautionary tale, reminding us that the greatest horrors often stem from the most human of motivations: the desire for power, the fear of the other, and the willingness to invoke the unimaginable to achieve one’s ends.
“V/H/S/94” is a triumphant return to the form that made the series a cult favourite, a collection of stories that are as diverse in their execution as they are united in their ability to disturb, fascinate, and entertain. It’s a film that walks the line between horror and bizarreness with the confidence of a tightrope walker, never once losing its balance. Each segment, from the claustrophobic terror of “Storm Drain” to the chaotic brilliance of “The Subject,” serves as a testament to the anthology’s enduring appeal. In an era where horror is constantly evolving, “V/H/S/94” stands as a reminder that the genre’s heart still beats strongest in the shadows, in the stories that dare to explore the darkest corners of our world and beyond.
V/H/S/94 (2021)
Summary
"V/H/S/94" is a triumphant return to the form that made the series a cult favourite, a collection of stories that are as diverse in their execution as they are united in their ability to disturb, fascinate, and entertain.