V/H/S/99 on Shudder is the latest installment in the V/H/S horror anthology franchise. This time all the short stories take place in the Y2K glory of 1999. As always, there’s a little something for everyone. Read our V/H/S/99 movie review here!
V/H/S/99 is the new Shudder anthology movie in the V/H/S horror anthology franchise. Along with the five short films that make up this latest V/H/S horror anthology, there is also a wrap-around bit. Well, sort of, because – to me, anyway – this “wrap-around” story doesn’t really connect the dots much.
AN ANTHOLOGY WITH A GOOD WRAP-AROUND STORY
Satanic Hispanics (2022) had a wrap-around story I looked forward to returning to >
This time around, it’s a fun little intermission element, but nothing that ties it all together in any real sense. Not that it needs to, necessarily, but it can be a story element if it does.
Continue reading our V/H/S/99 movie review below – including our rating of each short film. The movie is out on Shudder on October 20, 2022.
The 5 short films in V/H/S/99
Moving on from the recurring wrap-around element in V/H/S/99, and on to the short films that make up this anthology. Whether you like crazy body horror gore or a horror-comedy story, there’s something for you here.
“Shredding” is the first short film
Written and directed by Maggie Levin
Our rating: 2 out of 5
I expect many V/H/S horror anthology franchise fans will love this short story. For me, it just didn’t really work that well due to the style. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the story, music, and band style which were all pretty spot-on.
However, as someone who clearly remembers 1999, I don’t recall the term “Bro” being used nearly as much as “Dude”. Especially not in the punk rock scene! A small thing, sure, but one that matters when the short story is supposed to be tied into the year.
“Suicide Bid” is short film number 2
Written and directed by Johannes Roberts
Our rating: 5 out of 5
This short film was right up my alley. It hit on all my weak spots – which I won’t get into here, since it will spoil the story. The casting is great, the pacing worked really well, and the story (including the ending) was just awesome.
Enjoy!
“Ozzy’s Dungeon” is the short film in the middle
Directed by Flying Lotus, written by Zoe Cooper & Flying Lotus
Our rating: 3 out of 5
The third short film in V/H/S/99 is one of those stories that has a little something for everyone. There’s a revenge story in there that should definitely please many viewers. Also, I was happy to see Sonya Eddy (Satanic Hispanics) as a fierce mom who held absolutely nothing back.
Overall, I liked the story more than the execution, but I still enjoyed the short as a whole.
“The Gawkers” is short film number 4
Directed by Tyler MacIntyre, written by Chris Lee Hill & Tyler MacIntyre
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Such a simple concept, not (at its core) unlike many horror shorts we’ve seen before. However, here the casting just works – and so does the execution. A delicious little horror short film that can easily stand on its own.
Interestingly, this particular short film does actually clearly tie into the wrap-around segment.
“To Hell and Back” is the third and final short film
Written and directed by Vanessa & Joseph Winter
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Just recently, we reviewed the short film Deadstream by the married filmmaker duo Vanessa & Joseph Winter. We really liked that one, and “To Hell and Back” has a lot of the same. The story is very different, but the humor and pacing are recognizable.
If you’ve watched Deadstream (read our review here), and liked it, then you can look forward to watching this short film. And vice versa; Make sure you check out Deadstream on Shudder if you enjoy this anthology segment.
Check out V/H/S/99 on Shudder!
As already covered above, the directors on V/H/S/99 are Maggie Levin, Johannes Roberts, Flying Lotus, Tyler MacIntyre, and Vanessa and Joseph Winter. A strong field that offers up a little bit of everything.
THE PREVIOUS V/H/S HORROR ANTHOLOGY
Overall, I liked V/H/S/99, but I can’t help but wish for a stronger wrap-around story that ties it all together. Well, either that or just simple title cards to carry us [the audience] into the next horror short film.
Also, do remember to stick around for the little (audio) post-credit element at the very end. Up next, we’ll be getting a V/H/S/85 which I really look forward to since I am a real 80s girl.
V/H/S/99 will be released on Shudder on October 20, 2022.
Plot
V/H/S/99 harkens back to the final punk rock analog days of VHS, while taking one giant leap forward into the hellish new millennium. In V/H/S/99, a thirsty teenager’s home video leads to a series of horrifying revelations.
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