One of the most anticipated world premieres at Fantastic Fest 2024 was V/H/S/Beyond. The seventh installment of the fan-favorite horror anthology franchise, V/H/S/Beyond tells six new thrilling tales to delight audiences. While the previous V/H/S films are known for having a fun mix of horror subgenres with the different segments in each film, this time they did something a little different. With V/H/S/Beyond, the filmmakers really leaned into sci-fi horror in a way they’ve never done before.

The first segment, titled “Stork,” follows a special team of law enforcement investigating the kidnapping of multiple infants, leading them to a dilapidated house of horrors. Written by Jordan Downey (The Head Hunter) and Kevin Stewart (The Head Hunter), with Downey also directing, “Stork” gets the anthology off to a bloody, action-packed start. It’s the kind of film where every time you think you know what’s coming, you most certainly do not. It’s gory, it’s exciting, and the effects and creature design are absolutely horrifying, creating the perfect blend of sci-fi and horror. Audiences will also be delighted and terrified by the titular “Stork,” played by fan-favorite Dane DiLiegro (Prey).

Up next is “Dream Girl,” directed by Virat Pal (Recapture) who wrote the segment with Evan Dickson (V/H/S/85). When two paparazzi sneak onto the trailer of the hottest Bollywood star, they discover a shocking secret. “Dream Girl” is set and filmed entirely in India, giving the segment an authentic look. The plot is cheeky and fun, sprinkling in some humor before the carnage takes over. What really makes Pal’s directing such a standout is how he utilizes the set of the Bollywood film to his advantage, showing shots from the paparazzi cameras as well as some more high-def shots from the professional camera on set. Audiences are also sure to love the original song performed for the Bollywood film, which is incredibly catchy and adds an extra layer of humor.

“Live and Let Live” was directed by Justin Martinez (V/H/S), who also wrote the film alongside Benjamin A. Turner. A group of friends go skydiving to celebrate a birthday before unwittingly flying right into an alien invasion. This is hands down the most exciting segment of V/H/S/Beyond and has a jump scare that had me flying out of my seat. The thrills never stop from the plane, to falling through the air, to trying to escape aliens in an orange grove. While the plot itself is fairly simple and straightforward, the filmmakers still pack a punch with tons of action and unique aliens. The VFX team also did an incredible job, especially when it comes to the familiar, yet even more horrifying creature design for the aliens. If you were on the fence about ever going skydiving before, “Live and Let Live” will certainly make you think twice before taking that leap.

Brother Christian Long (Lady of the Manor) and Justin Long (Lady of the Manor) teamed up to write and direct a segment titled “Fur Babies.” A group of animal rights activists go to investigate a woman who runs an in-home doggy day care, who also enjoys taxidermy, and discover a gruesome secret hidden in the basement. This segment does an excellent job of blending plenty of absurd humor with gnarly body horror. The practical effects are amazing, inserting some imagery that is grisly to behold, but it also will likely elicit some uncomfortable laughter. “Fur Babies” features one of the stand-out performances of V/H/S/Beyond in Libby Letlow (Diminuendo), who gives a delightfully unhinged performance as the owner of the doggy daycare, Becky. This is the one entry that feels the least sci-fi of the film, making it feel a bit out of place, but it’s still a fun and memorable entry.

Kate Siegel, most known as an actor in projects like Midnight Mass, makes her directorial debut with “Stowaway,” a segment written by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep). “Stowaway” tells the story of a woman attempting to document a series of potential UFO sightings in a remote desert. This is an incredible directorial debut for Siegel. Not only is the story haunting and surprisingly emotional, but the segment includes absolutely stunning visuals to bring everything to life. It also has a brilliant performance from Alanah Pearce as she balances determination and wonder with the rising tension. “Stowaway” feels the most real of all the segments in V/H/S/Beyond, hitting all the right sci-fi notes while sprinkling in plenty of emotional moments.

Finally, we have the wrap-around segment tying V/H/S/Beyond together, “Abduction/Adduction.” Written and directed by Jay Cheel (Cursed Films), “Abduction/Adduction” plays like a documentary such as Alien Encounters: Fact or Fiction. The segment even features interviews with the host of that show, Mitch Horowitz, playing himself. The plot has this wonderful build-up of suspense. The audience knows they’re about to see something crazy, but nothing could prepare you for the final moments. It’s not only a perfect connecting thread to tie each segment of V/H/S/Beyond together, but it also ends the film on a shocking, grotesque, and memorable moment.

V/H/S/Beyond is a sci-fi horror anthology masterpiece delivering laughs, scares, and plenty of otherworldly carnage. The team behind the V/H/S franchise has delivered another hit. There’s a perfect balance of different tones and themes throughout the different segments, each one being incredibly well done and telling fascinating stories. While there is one segment that doesn’t necessarily seem to fit as well with the others, they’re all still a delight to watch. If you missed V/H/S/Beyond at Fantastic Fest, be sure to watch it when it becomes available to stream on October 4th, exclusively on Shudder.

OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10