By Jacob Cameron 

V/H/S Halloween is the 8th film in the V/H/S series. Keeping with the tradition of the series, the segments of this anthology film are centered around a theme. This time, it’s Halloween. I’m a fan of the V/H/S films; inconsistent quality not withstanding. When I heard that there was going to be a Halloween film in the V/H/S format, I was excited. I’m happy to report that my excitement was well deserved.

As stated, this is an anthology film made of 5 segments tied together with a wraparound narrative. In this review, I will review the individual segments and the wraparound separately and tie it all together with an overall score.

Diet Phantasma (wraparound)

Diet Phantasma was directed by Bryan M. Ferguson, and this is the wraparound narrative that intercuts between each segment. It sees the COO of the Octagon Corporation overseeing focus group test on a new soda called Diet Phantasma. A drink that provides a bit more than a sugar rush.

In terms of the connection between the wraparound and the segments, the connection is very weak. But the wraparound is still effective in its intentions to scare. The fates of the focus group become more grim and grisly as the COO’s patience wears thin. This part has a very gross ending with a surprising twist at the very end of the film. Overall, I would’ve liked more of a connection between this and the other segments. But the actual content is generally unnerving.

Coochie Coochie Coo

Coochie Coochie Coo was directed by Anna Zlokovic, who had previously directed the 2023 film Appendage. It tells the story of two teenagers who are trick or treating for the last time. They come across a strange house. Inside the house is an urban legend known as “The Mommy.” A vengeful spirit who kidnaps children on Halloween.

In terms of pure scares, this is the most terrifying segment. It has some of the most gruesome scenes in the entire movie. The house feels dank and disgusting, and “The Mommy” is genuinely terrifying. The girls are far from innocent souls, but they are stuck in a must-lose situation, which is captured in stark detail. This segment will send chills down your spine.

Ut Supra Sic Infra

Ut Supra Sic Infra was directed by Paco Plaza, who directed 2007’s REC. It tells the story of a man who is the lone survivor of a deadly massacre and must recount the events for the police at the scene of the crime. 

Paco Plaza is a talented director; REC is one of the best found footage movies of all time. However, this was the weakest segment by a comfortable margin. There is an element worthy of praise; the survivor played by Teo Planell does a great job conveying that he doesn’t want to reenact his trauma. But the rest of the segment feels like a watered-down version of better movies. There’s even a plot device that almost feels like a version of another horror film called The Black Phone. Unfortunately, this is the weakest segment.

Fun Size

Fun Size was directed by Casper Kelly, who is primarily known for his work on Adult Swim. It tells the story of a group of adults who trick or treat long past the time when they feasibly can do so. They stumble upon a house that has a bucket of candy and a sign that says “please take one.” One of the groups takes two. The group is sucked into the candy bowl and subsequently stalked by a deadly stranger called Fun Size.

As silly a premise as that sounds, it is incredibly well made and one of the best of the films. It blends horror and comedy like Peanut Butter and Jelly. At one time you’re laughing, another time you’re nearly screaming. Fun size is genuinely hilarious and horrifying all at once. What happens to the group is morbid and also funny all at once. If you watch just one segment from this film, this is the one to watch.

Kidprint 

Kidprint was directed by Alex Ross Perry. It tells the story of the owner of a photo barn-like store who discovers that one of his employees is using the photo ID service for dark and depraved purposes.

This is the darkest segment of the film. It’s not meant for comedy; this segment will make you sick to your stomach. For the sake of protecting the story and its twist, I will not be going too deep into the plot. But this segment feels all too real at times. With a twist that is just diabolical. It reminded me of another found footage film in the form of 2007’s The Poughkeepsie Tapes. This is the segment that will scare you because of how real it feels.

Home Haunt

Home Haunt was directed by Micheline Pitt-Norman and R. H. Norman. It tells the story of a family who puts on an elaborate Haunted House every Halloween. To add some spice to the festivities, the father buys a vinyl record with spooky songs. As it turns out, the record is cursed, and it unleashes terror.

The biggest surprise in this segment is the presence of legendary special effects man Rick Baker. Who plays the neighbor to the family who, hilariously, hates Halloween. The segment starts off rather slow but then ramps up to 11 as soon as that record plays. Ultimately, this is the most fun of the segments.

Overall, this was a great addition to the V/H/S series. This had something for everyone to enjoy, and I see this becoming a standard watch for Halloween and horror fans.

4 ½ stars